Countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games reaches the 90-day mark, concerns mount regarding the readiness of the ice surfaces set to showcase NHL talent. The league’s players haven’t competed in the Olympics since 2014, and their return raises important questions about the state of the ice that will greet them in February.
Concerns Over Ice Quality
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed these issues during the NHL General Managers Meetings on Tuesday, stating that significant work is still required to ensure the rinks meet international standards. Bettman emphasized that the responsibility for the ice quality lies entirely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
“It’s something that we’re monitoring closely, and we have absolutely no control over,”
he remarked.
Venue Readiness and Construction Delays
Currently, the main venue for ice hockey, Santagiulia Arena, is still under construction and was slated for a pre-Olympic test event scheduled for December. However, this testing will now occur at Rho Fiera, another facility, which will host auxiliary hockey competitions during the Olympics. This switch highlights ongoing construction delays that could jeopardize the timely readiness of Santagiulia Arena, where the women’s hockey tournament is scheduled to kick off on February 5 with an untested ice surface.
Infrastructure and Fan Experience
Aside from athlete safety, the infrastructure’s preparedness extends to venue amenities such as restrooms and concessions for fans. The NHL is taking proactive steps to remain informed about the situation. Following the conclusion of an exhibition event in Sweden featuring teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators, NHL executives plan a visit to Milano-Cortina to assess the construction progress firsthand.
NHL’s Limited Role
As the wait for a successful outcome continues, Bettman can do little more than repeatedly express that the NHL’s influence over the construction process is limited.
“We’re simply invited guests,”
he stated, underscoring the NHL’s secondary role in the preparations for the upcoming Games.
