NHL boss worries about Olympic ice hockey in Italy

The plan is for the world stars of ice hockey to appear at the 2026 Olympics in Milan/Cortina. Now, however, the controversial NHL boss Gary Bettman is expressing major concerns - namely because Italy is behind schedule.

08 December 2023

From: fop

Bettman and the NHL want to enable ice hockey stars employed in North America to take part in the 2026 Olympics. The last time this was the case was in Sochi in 2014.

“We know how important this tournament is to the players. I also believe that we will reach an agreement with the world association IIHF,” said Bettman, alluding to the problems that existed in the past with insurance issues and accommodation options for NHL stars.

“This isn’t going according to plan.” NHL boss Gary Bettman

However, the boss of the world's best ice hockey league sees difficulties of a different kind facing the entire movement. “Normally a new arena opens around a year before the event, in Milan it should be ready six to eight weeks beforehand. I don't think the construction of the Olympic Hall has even started yet. “This isn’t going according to plan,” Bettman told the portal Daily Faceoff.

Italy's new sports temple should be ready just in time for the 2026 Olympics.

In part he is right with these statements. In fact, there are problems with the construction of ice hockey arenas in Milan. The renovation of the PalaSharp will not be completed until after 2026, which is why women's ice hockey at the Olympics will move to Varese or to the Expo site in Rho.

For the men's tournament, however, the original plan remains: construction of the new, ultra-modern multifunctional hall in the Santa Giulia district of Milan is scheduled to get underway soon. In any case, initial work has already begun – contrary to what the NHL boss expected. The NHL cracks will then perform at the 15.000 Olympics in front of around 2026 spectators at the PalaItalia.