With the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics now less than two years away, significant concerns have been raised about the readiness of the ice hockey venues, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated return of NHL stars to the Games.
Construction Delays and Capacity Concerns
The president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Luc Tardif, has publicly stated that parts of the main hockey arena for the Games might not be fully finished on time. Speaking to reporters at the world junior championship, Tardif sought to offer reassurance that the essential elements for competition would be in place. The men's tournament is scheduled to begin on 11 February 2026, with the women's event starting on 5 February.
Tardif confirmed that the playing surface, practice facilities, and team dressing rooms at the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena will be operational. "We can be confident on that," he said. "You're not going to go to Milano for nothing." However, he conceded that the venue's final capacity will be lower than initially hoped, capped at approximately 11,800 seats. "That's a little bit short," Tardif admitted, though he added it would still provide "a nice setup for the Olympic Games."
NHL's Safety Fears Over Ice Quality and Size
The construction timeline is not the only worry. The National Hockey League (NHL), whose players are set to participate in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, has expressed serious concerns. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated last month that the league would not send its players if any safety issues with the ice surface were identified.
The league is so concerned that it plans to dispatch its own ice experts to Italy to conduct inspections. A particular point of contention is the dimensions of the rinks. It has emerged that the two Olympic venues will be built to IIHF standards, which are slightly wider and three feet shorter than the standard NHL size the league believed had been agreed upon.
Daly has indicated that the NHL and the NHL Players' Association have already reminded the IIHF that they expect a standard NHL-sized ice surface at the next Winter Games in France in 2030.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Upcoming Inspections
Luc Tardif emphasised that the IIHF is not directly responsible for the construction, which falls under the remit of the International Olympic Committee and the local organising committee. "We would have liked to sleep much better," Tardif remarked, acknowledging the anxiety surrounding the project.
In a crucial step, Tardif will travel to Italy later this week alongside officials from the NHL and the NHLPA to attend a test event at the Santa Giulia arena. This visit will be pivotal in assessing the progress and quality of the facilities firsthand. "I'm confident about the quality of the infrastructure," Tardif said, while cautiously adding, "I think we will have a good competition, but maybe you can ask me the question after (this week)."
The coming days and months will be critical for the Milan-Cortina organisers as they work against the clock to deliver world-class venues that meet the exacting standards of the world's best ice hockey players and ensure a safe, spectacular Olympic tournament.
