Concerns Over Santagiulia Arena Ahead of Milan Cortina Olympics
As the Milan Cortina Olympics draw closer, concerns continue to mount regarding the newly constructed Santagiulia Arena, with a major issue emerging about the ice hockey venue’s dimensions. Reports suggest that the ice surface planned for the prestigious event falls short of the standards typically found in NHL arenas, potentially impacting player safety due to the swift nature of the game.
Ice Surface Dimensions
A reliable source informed The Athletic that the International Ice Hockey Federation has sanctioned an ice sheet measuring 60 meters by 26 meters (approximately 196.85 feet by 85.3 feet) for competitions in Milan. This configuration is notably three feet shorter and slightly wider than the 200-foot by 85-foot specifications (60.96 meters by 25.91 meters) dictated by NHL regulations. While the NHL has previously participated in Olympic games with similar dimensions, those events utilized the standard international width of 30 meters, contrasting with the narrower ice plan currently proposed for the upcoming games.
Reactions from NHL and Players’ Association
Discussions among the NHL, the NHL Players’ Association, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the IIHF had initially aimed to align the event with traditional NHL rink dimensions. However, no comments were provided by the NHL regarding the latest revelations, while a source familiar with the league’s interactions with the IIHF and IOC indicated that the NHL was caught off guard by this detail and is currently looking into it. The NHL Players’ Association also confirmed their investigation into the issue.
Implications for Player Safety
The implications of a shortened ice surface are significant, as players may find themselves with limited space to maneuver, increasing the risk of injury. Reflecting on a recent high-intensity tournament, Bill Guerin, the general manager for the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team, noted that tighter checks and less room were evident, stressing the potential dangers in such a confined playing area.
Roster Submissions and Coaching Concerns
Countries competing in the Olympics must submit their 25-player rosters by the end of the year and are now aware of the rink’s unconventional dimensions. Team Canada’s assistant coach, Pete DeBoer, highlighted this concern after visiting Milan, expressing confusion over how the rink dimensions came to be.
Construction Progress and Venue Readiness
Adding to the worries surrounding Santagiulia Arena, construction remains ongoing despite the imminent February opening. One knowledgeable source remarked on the sluggish progress, indicating that there is a pressing need for a catalyst to accelerate construction efforts. This follows a history of concern voiced by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, particularly during a Board of Governors meeting in December 2023, when he flagged the lack of construction activity at the site. An NHL tour of the venue in August revealed unfinished infrastructure and unbroken ground for the practice facility, leaving many questions regarding the venue’s preparedness.
Postponement of Test Event
A planned test event in December has been postponed to January 9-11 due to these ongoing issues, with speculation about alternatives in Switzerland being dismissed during a November meeting involving IOC, IIHF, and NHL representatives. Afterward, NHL officials visited Milan to gauge the construction progress directly and reported that some advancements are being made concerning the necessary facilities. The IOC has also reiterated confidence that the arena would be finished by mid-December, a claim that was reaffirmed by an IOC spokesperson recently.
Upcoming Events at Santagiulia Arena
The inaugural event scheduled at Santagiulia will be a preliminary round match between Italy and France on February 5, with the men’s tournament taking place from February 11 to February 22. As the games approach, the hockey community watches closely, concerned about the readiness of the venue and the safety of its players.
