The president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, Luc Tardif, is optimistic about the upcoming return of NHL players to the Olympics, despite some delays in construction at the main arena. Tardif, speaking before the world junior hockey championship medal games, mentioned that while certain areas of the rink may not be fully completed on time, essential facilities like the playing surface, practice areas, 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 will kick off even earlier on February 5. Tardif noted that the arena, known as Hockey 1, will have a seating capacity of 11,800, which is slightly different from his initial expectations. The last time the NHL participated in the Olympics was in 2014.
Tardif confirmed plans for a test event at the venue this week, where officials from the IIHF, NHL, and NHL Players’ Association will be present. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly had previously stated that the league would withdraw its players from the Olympics if there were any safety issues with the ice.