Ice Hockey at the Winter Olympics: The NHL is “delighted” with the test event for the Milan-Cortina Games

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics will be held from February 6 to 22, with ice hockey matches split between the new Santagiulia Arena and the existing Milan Rho.

The rink in Milan, which is approved by the IIHF, is shorter than the NHL’s minimum requirements, leading to suggestions that there may be an increase in high-speed collisions.

During the test event, there was a short delay while a small hole in the ice had to be repaired on Friday before the other matches could take place without incident.

IIHF President Luc Tardif said that “the puck was slipping and not hitting” and believed there was “no reason for the NHL not to attend.”

“There are still challenges because the building is still under construction and the ice is new,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters.

“We have been assured, or expect, that whatever must be done in time will be done.

“But, you know, this is not our event. We are invited guests. We have offered them help, consultation and advice when they feel they need it and it would be appropriate because we have a little experience in this area.”