A test hockey match at the Olympic arena in Milan was interrupted due to a hole in the ice.
A test hockey match at the Olympic arena in Milan was interrupted due to a hole in the ice. This was reported by The Athletic.
The first match at "Santa Giulia" — the future venue for the hockey tournament of the 2026 Olympics — was stopped in the first period of the Coppa Italia semifinal between "Caltanissetta" and "Varese." The hole formed in front of one of the goals, and arena staff quickly filled the damage with water.
National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman had previously expressed concerns about the quality of the ice at the untested arena and hinted that league players might refuse to participate in the Games due to health risks. However, International Olympic Committee Sports Director Pierre Ducrey assured on January 9 that the facility would be fully ready for the tournament, and NHL players would definitely participate.
The 2026 Olympic Games will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to 22. The participation of NHL players will be the first since 2014.
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