At a Glance
- Test events at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena were held over the weekend
- The building and ice remain unfinished less than a month before puck drop
- NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says challenges persist but expects timely completion
- Why it matters: NHL stars’ Olympic participation hinges on rink readiness
The NHL and its players’ union have delivered a blunt assessment of the Milan Cortina Olympic hockey venue, warning that the new Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is “still under construction” and the ice surface is brand-new as test events wrapped.
In a joint statement Monday, the league and NHLPA praised the weekend trials as “a good trial run” yet conceded “challenges are inherent with new ice and a still-under-construction venue.”
Play is scheduled to begin February 5 for women and February 11 for men.
Weekend Tests Reveal Lingering Issues
League and union officials watched games staged specifically to evaluate the ice while workers rushed to finish locker rooms and support areas. Organizers used the matches to gather data on surface conditions and facility operations.
Key findings from the statement:
- Ice quality met basic standards but needs refinement
- Locker rooms and back-of-house areas incomplete
- Power, ventilation, and broadcast cabling still being installed
- Seating bowl and concession zones remain works in progress
Bettman: “We’ve Offered to Help”
Speaking in Buffalo, New York, where he announced the Sabres will host the June draft, Commissioner Gary Bettman said reports from Milan indicated the test events “went OK” but added, “there are still challenges because the building is still under construction and the ice is new.”
Bettman emphasized the NHL’s limited authority, noting, “it’s not our event. We’re invited guests.”
He repeated that the league has volunteered technical expertise to speed completion:
> “We’ve offered to help and consult and advise as they feel they need and would be appropriate because we do have a little bit of expertise in that area.”
Clock Ticking Toward Puck Drop
International Ice Hockey Federation President Luc Tardif and other Milan officials have voiced confidence NHL players will skate as planned. Yet the calendar shows fewer than four weeks until the opening faceoff.
Bettman said he will withhold final judgment until he inspects the site personally:
> “I’ll have a better idea of where things stand in Milan once I arrive.”
The commissioner reiterated the NHL’s long-standing stance on Olympic participation:
> “It’s always been important for our players to play best on best at the Olympics. That’s why we agreed to take the break and have them go.”
Responsibility Rests With Organizers
While the NHL can advise, ultimate accountability lies elsewhere. Bettman placed the onus on the International Olympic Committee and IIHF:
> “In the final analysis, that question has to get answered by the IOC and the IIHF.”
The league and union pledged continued oversight:
> “The NHL and NHLPA will continue to monitor the situation, standing ready to consult and advise on the work being done to ensure that the local organizing committee, the IOC, and the IIHF deliver a tournament and playing conditions befitting the world’s best players.”
Construction Timeline
| Milestone | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Test events | January weekend | Completed |
| Women’s tournament start | February 5 | Pending |
| Men’s tournament start | February 11 | Pending |
| Full facility handover | Late January | Not yet achieved |
Workers now face round-the-clock shifts to meet deadlines. Organizers have not disclosed a detailed completion schedule, but Caleb R. Anderson reported that crews are focusing on:
- Final ice resurfacing and temperature controls
- Installation of protective glass and player benches
- Completion of media and medical areas
Player Safety and Competitive Integrity
The NHL’s statement stressed that any Olympic involvement must meet league standards:
> “We expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock.”
Players have voiced eagerness to represent their countries, but union officials want assurances about rink conditions, locker-room security, and training-ice access.
No alternate venue has been designated, leaving the Olympics dependent on Santagiulia’s readiness.
What Comes Next
Bettman plans an on-site visit within days. After inspection, the league will decide whether to reinforce its advisory role or escalate concerns.
Meanwhile, IIHF crews will conduct additional ice tests and simulate game operations. If deficiencies persist, emergency contingency plans-ranging from compressed schedules to relocation-could be activated, though organizers insist such measures are unnecessary.
News Of Fort Worth contributed to this report.
