Chris Jones provides updates from Italy in anticipation of the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. The Milano Santagiulia arena, plagued with issues, hosted its first game on Friday, momentarily setting aside the months of worries for a night of hockey.
The arena’s much-anticipated “test event,” aiming to assure the NHL of its readiness to host the first men’s Olympic tournament since 2014, commenced with a Coppa Italia semifinal. Upon opening its doors to the public without hard hats for the first time, workers were seen busy clearing dust from the seats.
Despite Canadian ice expert Don Moffatt’s meticulous care of the ice, the arena’s overall appearance did not reflect a finished state. Only the lower section was accessible, with the upper areas still covered in tarps and seats wrapped in plastic. The lingering scent of construction and wet drywall mud in certain areas added to the unfinished ambiance.
Officials, however, remained resolute that despite ongoing work by hundreds of laborers during the game, the NHL and its players would arrive in Milan. Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer, affirmed the arena’s readiness for sports activities, despite pending final touches elsewhere.
Pierre Ducrey, the IOC’s sport director, echoed confidence in the forthcoming NHL presence, envisioning an exhilarating event in February. Though a momentary setback occurred with a hole in the ice during the first period, optimism prevailed with quick remedial actions.
The ultimate trial is set for Saturday, featuring a full morning of practice and additional games. While concerns persist over the ice’s endurance under strenuous conditions and a packed arena, the NHL and NHLPA refrained from commenting on Friday. Statements from key figures like Bill Daly and Luc Tardif are anticipated post the test tournament.
Assuming the NHL players’ participation, organizers face a tight deadline to complete or near the arena’s finishing touches within a month. The women’s competition will kick off on Feb. 5 at Milano Santagiulia, with further matches held in Rho. The men’s tournament starts on Feb. 11, with Canada scheduled to play at Milano Santagiulia.
Despite visible improvements, significant work remains evident within the arena premises. Ducrey acknowledged the venue’s current state as part of the testing phase, expressing excitement for the future. The atmosphere of hockey finally resonated through the arena, overshadowing the preceding construction noise.
Amidst the imperfect arena aesthetics, the essence of hockey prevailed, captivating all in attendance with the game’s commencement, drawing focus to the puck.