Chris Jones provides an update from Italy ahead of the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. The Milano Santagiulia arena, which has faced challenges, hosted its first game on Friday, temporarily shifting attention from concerns to the thrill of hockey.
The highly anticipated “test event,” designed to demonstrate the arena’s readiness for the first top-tier men’s Olympic hockey tournament since 2014, kicked off with a Coppa Italia semifinal. Despite ongoing preparations, including last-minute dust removal from seats by workers, the arena appeared far from completion, with only the lower section accessible. The upper areas remained covered with tarps, seats wrapped in plastic, and construction odors lingering in the corridors.
Despite the visible construction activities and unfinished appearance, officials expressed unwavering confidence in the arena’s readiness to host the NHL and its players. Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer, affirmed the arena’s sports facilities were prepared, albeit some final touches were pending.
Pierre Ducrey, the IOC’s sport director, echoed the optimism, foreseeing an exciting experience with NHL players in attendance. Although a minor setback occurred during the game when a hole appeared on the ice, swift measures were taken to address it.
The ultimate trial will occur on Saturday with extensive practice sessions and additional games planned. While concerns persist about the ice’s endurance under more demanding conditions, NHL representatives refrained from commenting, with expectations for statements from Bill Daly and Luc Tardif post-tournament.
Assuming NHL players participate, organizers face a tight deadline to complete or near completion of the arena within a month. The women’s competition will commence on Feb. 5, followed by the men’s competition on Feb. 11, with Canada’s preliminary games slated at Milano Santagiulia.
Despite visible progress, numerous tasks await completion, evident in dangling wires, unresolved doors, and incomplete concession areas. However, the joy of witnessing hockey sounds in the arena overshadowed the ongoing challenges, marking a significant step towards the anticipated event.