The Winter Olympics will see the return of NHL players to the hockey event after more than a decade, with games being played on ice that is slightly smaller than NHL-regulation size. The rinks in Milan where the men’s and women’s games will take place are 196.85 feet long by 85.3 feet wide, compared to the NHL dimensions of 200 by 85 feet.
The International Ice Hockey Federation approved the Milan rinks, which adhere to the federation’s standard sizes and were previously used by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators for games in Stockholm. This shift to non-NHL dimensions for the Olympics started in 2018 and will continue in the upcoming 2026 Games.
Although the ice in Milan differs slightly from NHL standards, it aligns with IIHF regulations and the rink size used at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. The IIHF emphasized that these differences are considered insignificant and should not affect the safety or quality of gameplay.
In previous Olympic editions, hockey had been played on international ice sizes of 196.85 by 98.4 feet, with variations in different years. The upcoming games in Milan will feature the same ice dimensions in both the main arena and a smaller temporary venue.
Organizers are working on completing the new Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a 16,000-seat venue on the outskirts of Milan, with construction nearing completion. Despite some delays in venue readiness, officials remain confident that everything will be in place before the start of the tournament.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has raised concerns about logistical challenges, but assurances have been given by the IOC and IIHF that all necessary arrangements will be made. The men’s and women’s hockey tournaments are scheduled to run from February 5-19 and February 11-22, respectively.
