International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif is optimistic about the upcoming return of NHL players to the Olympics, despite facing construction delays at the main arena. Tardif, speaking before the world junior hockey championship’s medal games, mentioned that while some parts of the rink may not be fully completed on time, essential areas like the playing surface, practice facilities, and dressing rooms will be prepared for the men’s event starting on Feb. 11 at the Milan Cortina Games.
The women’s tournament will kick off even earlier on Feb. 5. Tardif noted that the arena, known as Hockey 1, will not meet his exact expectations in terms of capacity, with seating limited to 11,800. The NHL’s last participation in the Olympics dates back to 2014.
Tardif disclosed plans for a test event at the venue in Italy this week, involving representatives from the NHL and NHL Players’ Association. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly had previously stated that the league would withdraw its players if any safety concerns regarding the ice surface arise.