Milan 2026 Addresses Rink Size Controversy as NHL Stars Gear Up

Post by : Mina Rahman

Organizers of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are standing by the dimensions of the ice rinks amidst critiques from hockey officials and North American press.

Set to host numerous games between February 6 and 22, the Santa Giulia arena faced concerns over its size, with some claiming it falls short of NHL standards. However, officials assert that the dimensions are both compliant and safe.

The rinks will measure 60 by 26 meters, a specification sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Notably, this layout was also utilized during the Beijing 2022 Olympics.

Every involved entity—including the IIHF, Olympic committee, NHL, and players' union—has concurred that these size variations will not compromise the safety or integrity of play. This marks the NHL players' welcome return to the Olympics since 2014.

The Santa Giulia arena is poised to open next month, hosting a series of Italian league and cup matches from January 9 to 11 as part of its initial testing phase.