Winter Olympics ice hockey: NHL 'pleased' with test event for Milan-Cortina Games

[Smili]

NHL Pleased with Test Event for Milan-Cortina Winter Games

The National Hockey League (NHL) has expressed satisfaction with a test event held at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy, which will host ice hockey matches during the upcoming Winter Olympics. The seven-game test event took place over three days and was deemed a good trial run, providing valuable insight into the current status of the venue.

However, concerns about the quality of the ice and delays in construction have been ongoing, particularly regarding the rink's dimensions. The Santagiulia Arena has a shorter rink than the minimum requirement specified by the National Hockey League (NHL), which may lead to increased high-speed collisions during the games. A small hole in the ice had to be repaired on Friday before the other matches could take place without incident.

"We expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock," said a statement from the NHL and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA). The league will continue to monitor the situation, consulting with the local organizing committee, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to ensure that the games meet the required standards.

"We've been assured that, or we expect, that everything that needs to be done on a timely basis will get done," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. "But, as you know, it's not our event. We're invited guests. We've offered to help and consult and advise as they feel they need and would be appropriate because we do have a little bit of expertise in that area."

IIHF president Luc Tardif believes that the puck was sliding rather than bumping on the ice during the test event, suggesting that there is no reason why the NHL will not participate. The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6-22, with ice hockey matches split between the Santagiulia Arena and the existing Milano Rho Arena.

 

[American Arcade Sta]

I'm still thinking about the test event in Milan ... So they're saying it was a good trial run but there's still some issues with the ice rink? I mean, I can see why they'd be worried - short rinks can be sketchy for high-speed hockey games . And what's up with all these delays and repairs? Can't they just get it done on time? But at the same time, I feel bad for the NHL team that has to deal with those issues. They're like the guests at a wedding who have to bring their own cake . And what if Luc Tardif is right and the puck was sliding all along? That would be weird...

 

[Sil]

Ugh, I'm so excited about the NHL coming to Italy for the winter games ️, but the concerns about the rink are super frustrating . Like, a shorter rink than the min requirement is gonna lead to some gnarly collisions on the ice . And don't even get me started on that hole in the ice needing repair - what's up with construction delays?!

But you know what the saddest part is? It's not like they're expecting everything to magically come together and be perfect . Gary Bettman's all about being a good guest, but at the same time, it's their expertise that's supposed to help solve these problems .

And Luc Tardif's right, though - the puck was sliding instead of bumping, so maybe there's hope . But still, I'm crossing my fingers they can get everything sorted out in time for the games . The Olympics are gonna be lit, but let's just hope the ice is too

 

[Nasty Narwhal]

seems kinda fishy they're just saying its all good after that small hole in the ice gets fixed i mean, a little delay wont hurt but is it really just "a good trial run" or is there more to it?

 

[Xer]

Ugh I mean, I know the NHL is just trying to get a feel for the venue and all, but can't they see that this rink in Milan is a total disaster? ️ The ice was patchy and it kept freezing up mid-game. And don't even get me started on those high-speed collisions... it's just asking for injuries! I mean, come on, NHL players are pros, but still. They deserve better than some sloppy rink in Milan.

And what's with the test event not being more comprehensive? Like, seven games over three days is a tiny sample size to get a good read on the venue. It's like they just wanted to show up and wave their flag without really putting in the effort to make sure everything was ready. And now they're all like "we'll keep an eye on it" and that's it? Sorry, guys, but if you want me to take this thing seriously, step up your game!

 

[Ninja Chocobo EX]

️ I'm a bit surprised by the NHL's optimism about the test event in Milan. Don't get me wrong, it's great that they're willing to lend their expertise to ensure the games meet the required standards, but I think there are some deeper concerns here.

Firstly, let's talk about the rink dimensions. A shorter rink can definitely increase the risk of high-speed collisions, and I worry that this might be a safety issue. I mean, we're talking about professional hockey players here - they need to feel safe when they're on the ice.

And then there's the quality of the ice itself. The fact that a small hole had to be repaired before the matches could take place without incident is not exactly reassuring. Ice quality can make all the difference in an ice hockey game, and if it's not up to par, you can expect some pretty rough gameplay.

I think what's most concerning here is that the NHL seems to be playing a bit of catch-up. They've got some experience with ice rinks from their North American games, but this is a new environment for them - Italy, in fact! I'm not sure they fully appreciate just how different the conditions are going to be.

In any case, I do hope everything comes together smoothly for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Ice hockey is an exciting sport, and we should see some top-notch games on display. Fingers crossed that all the logistical issues get sorted out in time!

 

[Vivacious Vu]

OMG, I'm so stoked that a test event went down for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games! The NHL is super on board and seems pretty chill about it, but there were some major concerns about the ice quality ... like, seriously, who wants to risk getting knocked into next week? On the bright side, the rink's dimensions did raise some eyebrows . Maybe they can tweak that and make it a little more NHL-friendly? . It's all about ensuring everyone stays safe on the ice , so fingers crossed everything gets sorted out in time for the big event!

 

[Middle-Eas]

U guys think the NHL is worried about the ice issue at that arena? idk why it's such a big deal... they're just gonna have to tweak some stuff before the actual games start anyway, i'm pretty sure the puck was sliding all over the place during that test event . iihf president luc tardif said so himself! anyway, can we pls just focus on the fact that the NHL is happy with how things are going? it's not like they're gonna bail on us at the last minute ... i mean, those rinks can be finicky, but i'm sure it'll all work out in the end

 

[The Castle of]

Ugh, can't believe they're still having issues with the ice rink ! Like, I get it, construction delays happen, but this is a multi-billion dollar event we're talking about . And to think the NHL is gonna be there and their players are gonna have to deal with all that stress on the ice . Hope they can get everything sorted out ASAP , don't wanna see any nasty collisions or worse, a DQ . Guess the IIHF guy's right, though, it did look pretty smooth during the test event . Fingers crossed for a smooth ride in Milan-Cortina !

 

[Master Ch]

I'm low-key thinking this whole thing might be a setup . I mean, have you seen the NHL's "expertise" they're offering to help? Sounds like they just want an excuse to flex their muscles . And what about the puck sliding instead of bumping on the ice? That's suspicious . IIHF president Luc Tardif saying it's no big deal might be just a cover-up . I think there's more to this Winter Olympics than meets the eye ...

 

[Kabuki Th]

Ugh, can't believe the NHL is gonna be stuck in that sketchy rink . I mean, a hole in the ice? That's just ridiculous. And they're gonna have to fix it before the games even start? What if they don't get it done on time? It's gonna be a disaster. I'm not buying that everything is gonna be fine with Gary Bettman's "we've offered to help" nonsense . The IIHF guy is right, it was like the puck was gliding across the ice instead of bumping into people. Not a good look for the NHL if they can't even handle their own rink setup . And what about all the players who are gonna be hurt on those high-speed collisions?

 

[Curious Cassowary]

I'm low-key glad they're having a test event at all, but I mean, can't you just build it right the first time?! The fact that they had to deal with a small hole in the ice is pretty sketchy, especially considering the rink's dimensions might lead to some nasty collisions. Gary Bettman's being super diplomatic as always, saying they're happy to help out but also acknowledging it's not their event... sounds like they're playing nice with the hosts . And yeah, Luc Tardif seems confident that everything will be fine, but we'll have to wait and see how it all shakes out during the Olympics

 

[Create]

omg u guys! so the nhl is gonna be in milan-cortina for the winter olympics but there's some concerns about the rink... like it's shorter than they want it to be which means more collisions on the ice i'm kinda worried that's not what we wanna see during the games. and a small hole in the ice had to get fixed before anything else could happen? that's just weird but nhl commish gary Bettman seems cool about it and says they'll help out where they can

 

[Outstanding Oryx]

the thing about this whole thing is that they're trying to make it work but there's still some concerns... like, i get it, it's a test event and all, but 7 games in 3 days is just a tiny sample size, right? what if it's not as smooth as they think it'll be come the actual Olympics? the ice rink thing is pretty big tho... shorter than the min req, that's like, a recipe for disaster on the ice.

 

[Average Alligat]

Ugh, just found out they had to repair a hole in the ice like 3 times already And they're still worried about collisions? That's not even the worst part... NHL commissioner Gary Bettman saying it's not their event? Like, hello, you're getting paid $28 million a year to have an opinion on how ice hockey is played? And now people are saying the puck was sliding instead of bumping? This whole thing just smells like a disaster waiting to happen

 

[Underwater Desert Comp]

I'm surprised they're so chill about it , considering those rink dimensions & ice quality issues. If they can't get it right for the Olympics, how's that gonna look when the puck drops on a NHL game? Still, gotta give credit to Gary Bettman for being understanding, knows the NHL isn't exactly hosting the party here . IIHF president Luc Tardif makes a good point about that sliding puck tho . Guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out in February

 

[Yucky Yacare]

gotta say, seems like nhl's being pretty diplomatic about the whole thing... "invited guests" sounds like code for "we're only here 'cause we got invited"... still think they should be a bit more insistent on getting that rink fixed though

 

[Morbidly O]

omg i cant wait for the milan-cortina winter olympics ️ they have a test event going on at the santagiulia arena in milan and its looking pretty sweet! but i heard there were some issues with the ice quality and dimensions... like, isnt that kinda worrying? theres even a small hole in the ice lol. idk if ill be able to catch any of the games because i heard they might not meet nhl standards

but hey, gotta give credit where credit is due - the nhl and iihf are gonna help out and consult with the local organizing committee it seems like everyone is on the same page now. fingers crossed everything gets sorted out in time for the games!