There’s renewed excitement for Olympics hockey ahead of February’s Milano Cortina Winter Games, especially where the US of America is anxious. Team USA is eyeing the gold medal after narrowly falling to Canada within the 4 Nations Face-Off, but earning this global triumph is probably not players’ only concern.
The world that’s being built for Olympics competition could contain an ice surface that’s smaller than what the NHL uses, per The Athletic’s Chris Johnston and Michael Russo.
The undeniable fact that Milan’s Santagiulia Arena remains to be under construction is already a bit troubling, but this dimensions issue raises safety concerns which will make some athletes think twice before deciding to compete within the Olympics. The International Ice Hockey Federation reportedly approved a 60-meter by 26-meter sheet of ice, something the NHL didn’t anticipate based on prior agreements. Those proportions are greater than three feet shorter while being only “a hair wider” than what the outstanding hockey league requires.
This is just not merely standard Olympic practice, for those wondering. NHL stars have skated on a 60-meter surface through the Winter Games previously, but a 30-meter width is often utilized in international competition. Although there may be little time to act — the Milano Cortina Olympics begin on Feb. 6, 2026 — fans should expect the subject to be addressed.
The NHL Players’ Association is “looking into the matter,” based on The Athletic. There was a heightened level of physicality within the 4 Nations Face-Off, as pride burned brightly inside Montreal’s Bell Centre and Boston’s TD Garden back in February. Beyond the fights that broke out between the US and Canada, there have been quite a lot of big hits. When players travel at high speeds, they need a certain mount of space to be able to reduce injury risk.
Time will tell if the Santagiulia Arena is an appropriate place for Olympics hockey, however the NHL’s antenna is actually up.