NHL Players to Skip Milan Olympics if Ice Safety Standards Aren’t Met

Concerns have arisen regarding the safety of the ice for the upcoming Milan Olympics, particularly for the NHL players participating in the men’s tournament from February 11-22. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly emphasized the importance of ice quality, stating, “If the players feel like the ice is unsafe, we’re not going to play.” This declaration reflects the league’s serious stance on player safety.

NHL’s Vigilance Over Ice Safety

The NHL is closely monitoring the construction of the Santagiulia Arena, located southeast of Milan. During recent Board of Governors meetings, NHL owners expressed their concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the facility’s readiness. As of now, Daly expressed cautious optimism regarding progress based on the latest updates. He mentioned, “There doesn’t seem to be anything insurmountable in getting to completion.”

Changes in Rink Dimensions

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) made a surprising decision to approve rink dimensions that differ from NHL standards. The approved measurement is 60 meters by 26 meters (196.85 feet by 85.3 feet), which is over three feet shorter in length than the NHL’s standard rinks. Daly acknowledged the confusion, stating, “The IIHF had a different interpretation of NHL ice than we would have.” He noted that correcting this discrepancy is now impossible due to structural limitations.

Preparation for the Tournament

• The NHL Players’ Association surveyed its members, concluding that the smaller rink does not pose a safety or competitive-balance issue.
• Focus has shifted to ensuring the ice withstands the demands of multiple games scheduled across the tournament.
• There will be a series of 33 Olympic games played at the Santagiulia Arena, thereby increasing the strain on the ice quality.

Daly expressed the importance of having resilient ice, noting, “Part of what distinguishes this tournament is the frequency of games on the same surface.” To ensure proper ice conditions, NHL staff will travel to Italy, providing expertise to facilitate successful ice maintenance. A planned test event from January 9-11 will further assess the arena’s readiness.

Looking Toward the Future

While the NHL does not have a backup plan for potential issues arising in Milan, Daly stated that the league has shown adaptability in prior situations. He confirmed that venues are expected to be completed by February 2, granting the NHL access for further assessments. Moreover, both the NHL and the Players’ Association have communicated with the IIHF about future Olympic expectations, particularly regarding the compliance of NHL ice surfaces for the 2030 Olympics.

In summary, NHL players may skip the Milan Olympics if ice safety standards are not met. The league’s commitment to player safety and quality of play remains steadfast as they navigate the challenges leading up to the tournament.