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Smaller Rinks Approved for Milan-Cortina Olympics Despite Delays

12/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Milan-Cortina Olympics will feature rinks about three feet shorter than NHL standards, deemed safe by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed disappointment that the hockey venue was incomplete, but acknowledged the event's significance.
Players including Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Leon Draisaitl say the smaller rink will not be an issue.
Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena has faced construction delays, affecting rink specifications for the event.

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Story summary

The Milan-Cortina Olympics will feature rinks about three feet shorter than NHL standards, deemed safe by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed disappointment that the hockey venue was incomplete, but acknowledged the event's significance.
Players including Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Leon Draisaitl say the smaller rink will not be an issue.
Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena has faced construction delays, affecting rink specifications for the event.