Milan Hockey Rink Delays: Will NHL Players Skip Winter Olympics Again?
The upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy face significant uncertainty due to delays at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan. With the games commencing in just two months, concerns grow over whether NHL players will participate due to the arena’s incomplete status.
Milan Hockey Rink Delays Impacting NHL Participation
According to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, the lack of a completed rink could lead to NHL players being withdrawn from the event. In a recent statement, Daly emphasized, “If there’s no rink completed, there’s no NHL players going to the Olympics.”
Potential Third Consecutive Absence from Olympics
Should the NHL decide to withdraw, it would mark the third straight Winter Olympics without its players. The league also missed the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and the 2022 Games in Beijing.
Concerns Over Ice Surface Dimensions
Adding to the complications, the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena’s ice surface is reportedly smaller than standard NHL dimensions. Peter DeBoer, an assistant coach for Team Canada, noted that the ice could be three to four feet short of NHL standards. This variation raises questions about how a smaller rink would impact gameplay.
Coordination of Ice Surface Changes
Doug Armstrong, the general manager of Canada’s Olympic hockey team, remarked that the approach to adjusting the ice surface will be critical. The modifications could affect the neutral zone or all three zones differently. Armstrong expressed interest in observing how these adjustments are executed, but assured that the smaller dimensions would not influence their roster decisions.
Timeline for the Winter Olympics
- Event: Men’s Olympic hockey tournament
- Start Date: February 11
- Gold Medal Game: February 22
The situation continues to evolve as the construction of the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena progresses. Fans and players alike await updates on these crucial developments leading up to the Winter Olympics in Italy.
