Concerns continue to mount regarding the arena being built for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics, as questions have arisen about the ice rink possibly being smaller than the dimensions used by the NHL, potentially posing safety risks given the game’s fast pace. The International Ice Hockey Federation has approved an ice slab measuring 60 meters by 26 meters (approximately 196.85 feet by 85.3 feet) in Milan, which is slightly over three feet shorter in length than the NHL’s required 200 feet by 85 feet (60.96 meters by 25.91 meters).
While the NHL has sent players to past Olympics where the rink was 26 meters wide but 30 meters in length, current agreements between the NHL, NHL Players Association, International Olympic Committee, and IIHF for the Milan Games state that hockey should be played on surfaces matching NHL standards. However, league sources indicated they were unaware of the shorter ice length and are now investigating. The NHL Players Association is also looking into the issue.
A smaller rink with less length but similar width limits player movement, increasing the risk of dangerous situations, especially considering the intense, high-speed style of hockey seen in recent tournaments like the Four-Country Game. Bill Guerin, GM of the U.S. men’s Olympic team, noted the importance of safe checking in the game after observing recent tournaments. Canada’s assistant coach Pete DeBoer, who recently visited Milan, expressed his confusion over how the rink size ended up shorter than expected.
This is just one of several troubling developments involving the Santa Giulia Arena, which is set to host 33 Olympic matches including the men’s and women’s finals. Construction is still incomplete more than two months after the opening ceremony, with essential infrastructure like roads and practice facilities delayed. Due to these setbacks, the scheduled test event was pushed from January 9 to January 11. Despite rumors of a backup venue in Switzerland, a meeting in Stockholm confirmed there is no alternative plan.
NHL officials Derek King and Dean Matsuzaki have visited Milan to assess progress, and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly expressed cautious optimism about advancements in hockey facilities there, pledging ongoing monitoring. The IOC confirmed the arena is on track for mid-December completion, with the first Olympic game at Santa Giulia set for February 5 and the men’s tournament following shortly after.
Fan Take: This issue is critical for hockey fans as rink size directly impacts the style and safety of the game at the highest level. If not addressed, it could alter the way Olympic hockey is played and raise concerns about player safety, signaling broader challenges in hosting major international events.
