Chris Jones provides insights from Italy in anticipation of the Milano Cortina Olympics. Don Moffatt, known as the “ice master,” found himself in the limelight at the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena, where his connection to the game began in his childhood in Peterborough, Ontario. His expertise in ice has earned him international recognition, with this being his fifth Winter Olympics, presenting the toughest challenge in his career.
Due to construction delays, Moffatt had a tight timeline to build the latest rink, starting just before Christmas amid sparks from welders. Unlike traditional testing periods of months or years, the ice was only a few weeks old when several Italian teams skated on it over the weekend, closely monitored by the NHL and anxious hockey enthusiasts worldwide.
Despite the pressure of hosting three games on Saturday to simulate Olympic demands, the ice held up relatively well. A minor issue with a hole during Friday’s opening game garnered attention, with a green watering can used for the repair becoming a notable element in the arena’s unfolding story.
The NHL is expected to decide on Sunday whether to release its players for the upcoming Olympics, the first time since 2014. Event organizers remain confident that the world’s top players will participate, with Andrea Francisi expressing certainty during a statement on Friday.
Moffatt acknowledges the critical role his ice quality plays in determining the fate of the men’s tournament. A news conference with him on Saturday was canceled as he focused on pressing matters. Organizers reassured the public of Moffatt’s satisfaction with the rink’s condition, downplaying the significance of the hole and repair.
Having handled challenging situations in past Olympics, Moffatt’s expertise is crucial for ensuring the ice meets the required standards. He views ice as a dynamic entity with its own characteristics, requiring meticulous adjustments to maintain optimal conditions for competitive play.
With ongoing construction presenting additional challenges, Moffatt is working tirelessly to address issues like dust affecting the ice quality. Despite setbacks, he remains focused on refining the rink for the upcoming Olympics, demonstrating a blend of scientific precision and intuitive feel for his craft.
