International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) president Luc Tardif is optimistic about the upcoming Winter Olympics, anticipating a successful tournament despite delays in construction at the primary arena. Tardif, speaking before the gold and bronze medal games at the world junior hockey championship, mentioned that although certain sections of the rink may not be completed on time, essential areas such as the playing surface, practice facilities, and dressing rooms will be prepared for the start of the men’s event at the Milan Cortina Games on February 11. The women’s tournament is set to commence earlier on February 5.
Tardif acknowledged that the arena, referred to as Hockey 1, will not meet his initial capacity expectations, with seating limited to 11,800. The last time NHL players participated in the Olympics was in 2014.
Preparations for the event are ongoing, with Tardif planning to travel to Italy alongside representatives from the NHL and NHL Players’ Association for a test event at the venue in the coming week. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly previously stated that the league would withdraw its players from the Olympics if there are any concerns regarding the safety of the ice surface.
