The National Hockey League (NHL) is expressing significant concerns over the dimensions and construction delays of the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, set to host events during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The arena, which boasts a capacity of 16,000, has been found to have rink dimensions that differ from those initially agreed upon, raising alarms within the league.
Last week, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman highlighted the issues, noting that not only are the rink dimensions inconsistent with expectations, but there are also serious doubts about whether the facility will be completed in time for the Olympic Games scheduled to begin in February. The NHL’s apprehensions are compounded by the fact that the secondary arena, Milano Rho, shares the same dimensional discrepancies.
Historical Context of Ice Hockey in the Olympics
Ice hockey has been a cornerstone of the Winter Olympics since its inception in Chamonix in 1924, with its Olympic ties even predating the Winter Games as it was included in the 1920 Summer Games in Antwerp. Initially, Canada dominated the sport, winning six of the first seven competitions. However, the entry of the Soviet Union in 1956 shifted the balance, with the Soviets winning seven of the next nine gold medals.
For many years, professional players were banned from participating, a restriction lifted in 1988. Despite this change, the NHL did not allow its players to compete until the 1998 Games, primarily due to concerns over insurance and the disruption of the NHL season. Bettman describes the Olympics as a “mixed bag” for the NHL, citing the lack of control over media and operations.
Rink Size Discrepancies: A Closer Look
The controversy surrounding the rink size stems from the difference between international and NHL standards. International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) rinks are typically 60 meters long and 30 meters wide, while NHL rinks measure 60.96 meters long and 25.9 meters wide. The Santagiulia Arena’s rink, measuring 60 meters by 26 meters, falls between these two standards.
Peter DeBoer, Team Canada’s assistant coach, brought attention to this issue during a radio show, questioning how such a discrepancy occurred. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly noted that the issue was not immediately apparent during site visits, as “it’s not like people bring tape measures there.”
“The IIHF can confirm that the ice surfaces for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will measure 60.0 m x 26.0 m,” the IIHF stated. “While these dimensions differ slightly from a typical NHL rink, they are consistent with IIHF regulations and match the rink size used at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.”
Construction Delays: A Pressing Concern
While the rink size has been deemed acceptable by the IIHF and other involved parties, the construction delays pose a more significant threat. The NHL insists on NHL-sized venues for future Games, but the immediate concern is the completion of the Santagiulia Arena. Test events, crucial for assessing the ice quality and spectator facilities, are scheduled for January 9-11, less than a month before the Games commence.
Andrea Francisi, the chief Games operations officer for Milan-Cortina, stated, “There is no plan B,” emphasizing the necessity of completing the arena on time. NHL officials have voiced their concerns, with Bettman describing the delays as “disappointing” and Daly stating that if the ice quality is unsafe, “then we’re not going to play.”
The NHL has dispatched ice technicians to assist in meeting the necessary standards, with Daly expressing cautious optimism about the outcome. The first ice hockey game of the Olympics is set for February 5, with the men’s tournament running from February 11-22.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Future Games
The NHL’s involvement in the Olympics remains a contentious issue, with the league advocating for NHL-sized rinks in future Games. The current situation in Milan underscores the challenges of aligning international standards with those of North American leagues. As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the focus will be on ensuring that the Santagiulia Arena meets all requirements, allowing the world’s best players to compete on a stage befitting their talents.
Whether the NHL’s players will participate in the Milan Games hinges on the resolution of these issues, with the league’s commitment to player safety and game quality at the forefront of its decision-making process.
