COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has emphasized that the league is committed to ensuring player safety ahead of the upcoming Olympics in Milan. If the quality of the ice conditions is deemed unsafe by the players, he declared, “then we’re not going to play.”
During a press conference following the NHL board of governors meetings, Daly expressed confidence that the construction issues surrounding the Olympic hockey rink are manageable. With the main arena expected to be completed by February 2, just three days before the women’s tournament begins and only nine days until the men’s tournament kicks off, the timeline is tight.
Daly acknowledged the rigorous demands placed on the ice, as the Olympic venues are slated to host three games a day for nearly three weeks. To address these concerns, the NHL is collaborating closely with the organizers, deploying ice experts and technicians to aid in preparations. “We’re basically moving everybody there to try to help get this done in a way that’s acceptable for NHL athletes. And I’m cautiously optimistic it will be fruitful,” said Daly.
The NHL’s involvement includes oversight during a test event scheduled for January 9-11, where league representatives will evaluate the ice conditions firsthand. However, a recent revelation by the IIHF stated that the two rinks in Milan will be approximately 3 feet shorter than the standard NHL dimensions, contrasting the agreements established in July. While some federations were previously informed of this discrepancy, Daly noted he was unaware until last week, suggesting a lack of communication during site inspections.
Despite the unexpected dimensions, Daly indicated that player sentiment appears not to deem this a significant concern, as the players’ association has gathered feedback indicating health and safety are not major issues. Past experiences, such as the recent Global Series games in Sweden on similarly-sized rinks, seemed to have not raised any red flags among players.
As the Olympics approach, the organizers have stated there is no alternative plan if the rink is unready, and the NHL has yet to formulate a backup plan should player safety come into question. Daly admitted the league is preparing for any potential situations but remained non-committal regarding reconfiguring the schedule amid the Games.
With the NHL facing a unique challenge during this Olympic period, the league’s proactive steps reflect a commitment to player welfare while navigating the complexities of international competition. Athletes and fans alike remain hopeful for a successful tournament in Milan.