As National Hockey League(NHL) players prepare to return to the Olympics for the first time in over a decade, concerns have grown about whether the venue is ready for them.
The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, one of two venues set to host the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic ice hockey competitions, has generated headlines due to numerous construction delays, a shorter-than-expected ice surface and poor ice quality. There have also been concerns from both the NHL and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding player safety.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told reporters on Dec. 8 that if players don’t feel the quality of ice is safe, “then we’re not going to play.”
With puck-drop for the women’s tournament less than four weeks away, a test event at the arena became one of the most important indicators of how progress was coming along. The original test event was scheduled for December, but it didn’t happen due to construction delays. The rescheduled event took place over the weekend of Jan. 9-11.
The arena was opened to the public for the first time on Jan. 9, 2026, for an Italian Cup game. In the arena, it was reported that the ice rink and seating areas were completed, but the dressing rooms and practice rink were not. There were also no concession stands at the time.
International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif said during a news conference earlier this week that although parts of the rink and arena might not be complete in time, the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms would be ready when the men’s tournament begins on Feb. 11. The women’s tournament begins on Feb. 5.
Tardif also revealed that the arena’s capacity would be 11,800, short of the 14,000-seat capacity originally planned.
During the first period, the game had to be stopped because a hole emerged in the ice. Although this is not abnormal for new ice, it adds to the many problems reported. The ice surface will also likely be a major adjustment for the NHL players, who are accustomed to high-end facilities.
After the event concluded, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association released a joint statement:
“We were pleased that this weekend’s event was a good trial run and provided important insight into the current status of the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena,” the statement said. “While challenges are inherent with new ice and a still-under-construction venue, we expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock.”
“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 organizing committee, the IOC, and the IIHF deliver a tournament and playing conditions befitting the world’s best players.”
The first game scheduled at the venue is set for Feb. 5, 2026, between Italy and France. Canada also opens its tournament on the same day, but it doesn’t play at the Santagiulia Arena until Feb. 10 against the United Kingdom.