NHL ‘pleased’ with test event for Winter Games

The NHL says it will “continue to monitor” the unfinished Winter Olympic hockey venue in Milan but said it was “pleased” with a test event held at the Santagiulia Arena.

Delays in construction and doubts about the quality of the ice had raised concerns about players from North America’s National Hockey League, the biggest in the world, taking part in next month’s Winter Games for the first time since 2014.

“We expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock,” said a statement from the NHL and NHL Players’ Association after seven games were played in the arena over three days.

“The NHL and NHLPA will continue to monitor the situation, standing ready to consult and advise on the work being done to ensure that the local organising committee, the IOC (International Olympic Committee), and the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) deliver a tournament and playing conditions befitting the world’s best players.

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

The rink in Milan, approved by the IIHF, is shorter than the minimum requirement in the NHL, leading to suggestions there could 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 took place without incident.

IIHF president Luc Tardif said “the puck was sliding and not bumping” and believes “there is no reason that the NHL will not come”.

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

“We’ve been assured that, or we expect, that everything that needs to be done on a timely basis will get done.