Milan-Cortina Arena Faces Chaos with Barking and Lights Out Before Match
Recent training sessions at the Santa Giulia Arena in Milan highlighted various challenges as teams prepared for their upcoming matches in the Milan-Cortina Games. Issues ranged from unexpected power outages to concerns about ice quality, as players adjusted to the unique conditions of the venue.
Training Shutdown at Santa Giulia Arena
During a practice session for the Slovakian team, the arena was plunged into darkness for several seconds. This disruption had players and staff chuckling as technicians scrambled to resolve the lighting issue. Meanwhile, a police dog on site barked energetically, adding to the chaos.
Tomas Tatar, a forward for the Slovak team, remarked on the peculiar conditions of the rink. He noted the unusual noise and how the puck behaved differently on the boards. “I’m glad we arrived early,” he said, referring to the need to adapt to the ice conditions.
Swiss Women’s Team Experience
Prior to the Slovak team, the Swiss women’s hockey team had tested the rink. Alina Müller, a forward, commented on the softness of the ice, acknowledging that the early arrival was meant to get familiar with the surface. Her coach, Colin Muller, also echoed concerns about the ice becoming “mushy” after extended use.
- Ice is satisfactory for the first 20 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, the surface becomes less ideal.
- Danger arises after 45 minutes due to uneven ice conditions.
Ice Preparation Challenges
Don Moffatt, responsible for ice maintenance at the arena, faced several hurdles leading up to the event. Originally scheduled to begin preparing the ice on January 17, delays pushed this back multiple times, finally allowing him to start work late on the 26th. “I started to doubt,” he admitted, reflecting on the stress of the preparation process.
Moffatt emphasized the importance of properly “breaking in” the ice to ensure quality for the players. Techniques such as applying water and managing temperature were crucial for achieving a solid playing surface.
Unique Arena Conditions
Players have noted that Santa Giulia’s design presents distinctive acoustic challenges. Pierre-Édouard Bellemare of the French team described the sounds as reminiscent of a subway system, requiring players to adapt quickly to the environment. His teammate Yohann Auvitu added that poor ice quality is common in various venues, lending perspective to the current situation.
Amid the preparations, players expressed general satisfaction with their accommodations and preparations, with Bellemare highlighting the importance of comfort over specific details. “I feel like I’m at Disney,” he quipped, appreciating the essentials provided.
As teams gear up for the first match of the Milan-Cortina Games, the focus remains on adjusting to the unique aspects of Santa Giulia Arena, from ice quality to arena atmosphere. With the opening match approaching, athletes and staff are hopeful for a successful tournament.
