The International Olympic Committee has expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the new hockey arena for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, despite ongoing construction work. The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is set to be a key venue for the games next month, marking the return of NHL players to the Olympics after a long absence.
While there have been concerns over construction delays and unfinished areas, including locker rooms, significant strides have been made in preparing the venue. IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi commended the remarkable transformation of the venue since his last visit, emphasizing the dedication and expertise that have contributed to its development.
The NHL and IOC had previously raised concerns about ice quality due to the construction challenges. However, with meticulous planning and expert oversight, the venue has seen substantial improvements, reassuring stakeholders about the readiness of the arena for the upcoming games.
Following a three-day test event at the arena, which had faced delays leading to the cancellation of a previous event, stakeholders are optimistic about the NHL’s participation in the Olympics. The International Ice Hockey Federation conducted tests simulating Olympic conditions, ensuring high-quality ice for competitive play.
Players at the test event expressed satisfaction with the ice quality, with Canadian player James Livingston confident that NHL athletes will adapt well to the conditions. The men’s and women’s Olympic hockey tournaments are scheduled to take place from February 5-19 and February 11-22, respectively, in Milan, Italy.
