Chris Jones provides insights from Italy in anticipation of the Milano Cortina Olympics.
The Milano Santagiulia arena, which has faced challenges, witnessed its inaugural game on Friday, momentarily setting aside months of tension and blame to embrace a night of hockey.
The highly anticipated “test event,” designed to assure the NHL of the arena’s readiness to host the first men’s Olympic tournament featuring the best players since 2014, kicked off with a Coppa Italia semifinal. As the doors opened to attendees not wearing hard hats for the first time, workers were still busy clearing dust from the seats.
Except for the well-maintained ice cared for by Canadian ice expert Don Moffatt, little else in the arena resembled a finished facility.
Only the lower section of the arena was accessible. The upper levels were still covered with black tarps, and the seats remained wrapped in plastic. The corridors carried the scent of fresh construction, with damp drywall mud in certain areas.
Despite the hundreds of workers continuing to work around the clock in the arena — even during the opening game — officials expressed unwavering confidence that the NHL and its players would soon arrive in Milan.
Observing the preparations at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena ahead of this weekend’s test tournament 👀🏒 <a href=”https://t.co/DAEBMeJunx”>pic.twitter.com/DAEBMeJunx</a>
—CBCOlympics
“Absolutely,” stated Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer, at the rink side. “The arena is prepared. Some final touches are needed, but the sports aspect is ready.”
“I am confident they will be present, and it will be incredibly thrilling,” remarked Pierre Ducrey, the IOC’s sport director, gazing at the vibrant arena lights. “We anticipate NHL players in Milan in February, and it will be spectacular.”
During the first period, a minor setback occurred when a hole emerged on the ice, promptly attended to with a large green watering can.
CBC Sports senior contributor Chris Jones reveals that the Olympic hockey rink will not be fully completed for the start of Milano Cortina 2026 as he provides an inside look at the host cities’ preparations three weeks before the Opening Ceremony.
The ultimate test will be conducted on Saturday, featuring a full morning of practice and three additional games. Despite Moffatt’s expertise — this marking his fifth Olympics — concerns persist regarding the ice’s durability under more intense conditions and the warmth generated by a full audience.
Possibly explaining the absence of NHL and NHLPA officials for comments on Friday, Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, is anticipated to issue a statement following this weekend’s tournament.</