Olympic ice hockey venues may not be finished in time for games

"The head of the International Ice Hockey Federation said parts of the main hockey rink for the Milan Cortina Olympics might not be fully finished on time, but the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms will be ready when the puck drops for the men's event on 11 February. We can be confident on that, IIHF President Luc Tardif told reporters Monday at the world junior championship. You're not going to go to Milano for nothing."

"Construction delays and other concerns about the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and secondary Rho facility have drawn headlines for weeks with the NHL returning to the Winter Games for the first time since 2014 and the women's tournament opening on 5 February. The NHL has expressed concern about the construction and also the quality of the ice surface. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said last month in Winnipeg that the league will not send its players if there are any safety concerns with the ice."

"Tardif noted the IIHF isn't overseeing construction that's up to the International Olympic Committee and local organizing officials and can do only so much in terms of the timeline. Tardif said he will be traveling to Italy with officials from the league and the NHL Players' Association later this week for a test event at the venue. I'm confident about the quality of the infrastructure, he said."

Parts of the main hockey rink for the Milan-Cortina Olympics might not be fully finished on time, but the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms will be ready when the men's event begins on 11 February. Main arena seating is set at 11,800, below earlier expectations, though organizers expect an adequate competition layout. Construction delays and concerns about the Santagiulia and secondary Rho facilities have prompted scrutiny, with the NHL raising alarm over ice quality and safety. The NHL will send experts and has warned it will withhold players if safety concerns remain. The IIHF does not oversee construction; the IOC and local organizing officials hold responsibility. A test event in Italy will evaluate the venue and infrastructure.

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