Chris Jones provides insights from Italy in anticipation of the Milano Cortina Olympics. Don Moffatt, known as the “ice master,” found himself thrust into the limelight at the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena, where his connection to the game began in his childhood in Peterborough, Ont. Like many young Canadians, Moffatt watched his father create a backyard rink, sparking his fascination with the shimmering ice.
Now 67 years old, Moffatt is an esteemed expert in ice and its unpredictable nature. He is overseeing the ice preparation for his fifth Winter Olympics, which he considers the most challenging task in his extensive career. Due to construction delays, Moffatt could only start building the latest rink just before Christmas, with welders’ sparks surrounding him during the initial pour.
Typically, ice undergoes rigorous testing for months or even years before being used in elite competitions. However, Moffatt’s most recent ice surface was less than three weeks old when several Italian teams skated on it over the weekend, closely monitored by the NHL and anxious hockey enthusiasts worldwide.
The weekend featured three games aimed at simulating Olympic-level demands, with the ice holding up admirably under pressure. A minor incident involving a hole during Friday’s opening game gained widespread attention, with the green watering can used for repairs becoming a notable figure in the arena’s ongoing narrative.
The NHL is expected to reveal on Sunday whether it will allow its players to participate in their first Olympics since 2014. Despite concerns, organizers remain confident that the world’s best players will compete in Milan in February, as stated by Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer.
Moffatt recognizes that the success of the men’s tournament hinges on the quality of his ice. A scheduled news conference with Moffatt on Saturday was canceled abruptly, emphasizing his more immediate priorities. In a released statement, Moffatt expressed satisfaction with the playing field, downplaying the significance of Friday’s incident as part of the standard process.
Having dealt with challenges at previous Olympics, including a cracked rink in Torino in 2006, Moffatt has a track record of overcoming obstacles. He was behind the ice where Sidney Crosby scored his iconic goals in Vancouver 2010 and Beijing 2022. Concerns about the rink size in Milan were eased by comparisons to the Beijing rink’s dimensions.
Moffatt views ice as a dynamic entity with its own characteristics, requiring meticulous attention to detail. He meticulously monitors temperature, humidity, and surface conditions, treating his work as a blend of science and artistry. Despite the ongoing construction challenges at Milano Santagiulia, Moffatt remains focused on perfecting the ice for the upcoming Olympics.
As the deadline approaches, Moffatt continues to fine-tune the ice, making subtle adjustments to maintain its quality. With the pressure mounting, he inspects the ice between periods, demonstrating his commitment to delivering a flawless surface for the athletes. Amidst the hustle and bustle of ongoing construction, Moffatt’s dedication shines through as he strives for perfection before the anticipated Olympic spectacle.