Amid preparations for the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics, reporter Chris Jones provides an update from Italy. The Milano Santagiulia arena, which has faced challenges, welcomed its first game on Friday, offering a glimpse of hockey amidst ongoing construction activities.
The arena’s much-anticipated “test event,” designed to showcase readiness for hosting the NHL’s best-on-best men’s Olympic tournament, commenced with a Coppa Italia semifinal. Upon opening its doors to spectators without hard hats for the first time, workers were still seen clearing dust from the seats, emphasizing that much work remained unfinished.
While the ice, maintained by Canadian ice expert Don Moffatt, was in good condition, the rest of the arena appeared far from completion. Only the lower seating area was accessible, with the upper sections draped in black tarps and seats covered in plastic. The lingering scent of construction lingered in the concourses, and wet drywall mud was evident in some areas.
Despite the ongoing presence of numerous workers making final touches during the initial game, officials expressed unwavering confidence in the arena’s readiness to welcome the NHL and its players to Milan. Both Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer, and Pierre Ducrey, the IOC’s sport director, affirmed their optimism about hosting NHL players in February.
During the opening game, a minor issue arose when a hole appeared on the ice, promptly addressed with a green watering can. The true test will occur on Saturday with a full morning of practice and additional games scheduled, raising concerns about the ice’s durability under more demanding conditions.
Anticipation surrounds statements expected from key figures like Bill Daly from the NHL and NHLPA following the tournament’s conclusion, with IIHF president Luc Tardif set to address the situation on Sunday. Despite the remaining construction tasks, organizers are optimistic about meeting the tight deadline before the Olympic events start.
The women’s competition will kick off on Feb. 5 at Milano Santagiulia, while the men’s tournament will commence on Feb. 11, featuring Canada’s preliminary matches at the same venue. Notable progress has been made, with visible improvements like a converted tent serving as the accreditation center and enhanced cleanliness around the arena.
Although much work remains, officials are pleased with the current state of the venue and eagerly anticipate the forthcoming Olympic events. As the sounds of hockey filled the arena for the first time, overshadowing the construction noise, players and fans alike embraced the spirit of the sport, marking a promising start to the upcoming games.