NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly on ice quality concerns at 2026 Winter Olympics: 'If the players feel that the ice is unsafe to play, then we're not going to play'

"The International Ice Hockey Federation confirmed Monday that the ice surface to be used in Milan, Italy, for the 2026 Winter Olympics will be shorter than NHL-regulation size. Games at the two arenas will be played on rinks measuring 196.85 by 85.3 feet, while regular NHL dimensions are 200 by 85 feet. News of the size difference came as a surprise to participating players and, perhaps more importantly, to the NHL commissioner's office,"

"The IIHF can confirm that the ice surfaces for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will measure 60.0 m x 26.0 m (approximately 196.85 ft. x 85.3 ft). While these dimensions differ slightly from a typical NHL rink, they are consistent with IIHF regulations, match the rink size used at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and are fully consistent with the dimensions the NHL requires as part of its Global Series Game arena specifications."

IIHF confirmed that Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic ice surfaces will measure 60.0 m x 26.0 m (about 196.85 by 85.3 feet), slightly smaller than NHL regulation. Games at the two arenas will use those dimensions while NHL rinks measure 200 by 85 feet. The size difference surprised participating players and the NHL commissioner's office; deputy commissioner Bill Daly said he only learned of the issue last week and warned NHL participation could be at risk if players deem the ice unsafe. The IIHF stated the differences are insignificant, consistent with IIHF rules, and match Beijing 2022 dimensions.

Read at RMNB