The International Olympic Committee has expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the new hockey arena for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, despite ongoing construction at certain parts of the site.
The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is set to be a key venue during the games next month, marking the return of NHL players to the Olympics after a long absence. While the venue has faced challenges such as construction delays, efforts have been made to ensure its readiness.
Although the ice rink and a majority of the seating are in place, there are still some areas, like the locker rooms, that require further completion. Christophe Dubi, the IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, commended the advancements, noting the significant progress since his last visit.
Concerns were raised by both the NHL and the IOC regarding the ice quality due to construction delays. However, Dubi emphasized the meticulous planning and expertise involved in preparing the venue, expressing confidence in the final outcome.
The arena recently hosted a crucial three-day test event, following the rescheduling of a previous test due to delays. This event involved league and cup games, providing a simulation of Olympic conditions to assess the facility’s readiness.
The NHL delegation, which visited the arena over the test event period, is expected to release a statement regarding their observations. The International Ice Hockey Federation is optimistic about the NHL’s return to the Olympics, especially after successful test matches over the weekend.
Player feedback has been positive, with Canadian player James Livingston expressing confidence in the adaptability of NHL players to any ice conditions. The men’s and women’s Olympic hockey tournaments are scheduled to take place from February 5-19 and February 11-22, respectively.