The president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, Luc Tardif, is optimistic about the upcoming Olympics where NHL players will participate, despite delays in construction at the main arena. Tardif mentioned that while some parts of the arena may not be fully completed in time, essential areas like the playing surface, practice facilities, and dressing rooms will be ready for the men’s hockey event starting on Feb. 11 in Milan Cortina.
The women’s tournament will kick off even earlier on Feb. 5. Tardif noted that the arena, known as Hockey 1, will have a capacity of 11,800 seats, slightly different from the original plan. The last time NHL players took part in the Olympics was in 2014.
Tardif revealed plans to visit Italy this week along with NHL and NHL Players’ Association officials for a test event at the venue. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has previously stated that the league will reconsider sending its players if there are any safety issues concerning the ice conditions.