Players React to First Test Game at Olympic Hockey Rink: 'Still a Work in Progress'
The anticipation was palpable as the first game took place inside the main venue for hockey at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. The Santagiulia Arena, set to host 24 men's and eight women's games, faced a minor setback when a hole in the ice required a five-minute delay for repairs. Despite this, the players' experiences varied, with some feeling the ice improved as the game progressed.
Tommaso Terzago, a forward for Varese Hockey, noted, 'I didn't feel any holes during the second and third periods.' He recalled, 'During the first period, I put the point of my skate in a hole, but it was quickly fixed.' Florian Wieser, from SV Kaltern/Caldaro, echoed similar sentiments, stating, 'The ice was pretty good, not bad.'
However, the arena's construction has sparked global interest. Wieser's social media post showcasing the arena's interior went viral, amassing over 8 million impressions. The arena's incomplete state, with a reduced capacity of 11,800 compared to the expected 14,012, and ongoing construction work, including sealing the exterior walls, have raised concerns.
Despite the challenges, the NHL and NHL Players' Association remain optimistic. NHL ice technicians, led by Don Moffatt, have been assisting local crews. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly emphasized, 'If players feel the ice is unsafe, we won't play.'
The game between Kaltern/Caldaro and Varese, attended by a few thousand spectators, saw Varese's Raphaël Bastille score the first goal. Bastille, a Canadian player, noted the ice felt harder than usual, attributing it to the arena's initial state.
The neutral zone, approved by the International Ice Hockey Federation, was smaller than standard NHL dimensions, presenting a unique challenge for the players. The main adjustment was adapting to the North American-style ice surface, which measures 26 meters wide, 13 feet shorter than the usual European rink.
Despite the unfamiliar setting and construction hurdles, the players' excitement was palpable. Terzago, reflecting on the arena's grandeur, expressed, 'It's amazing. My first experience in such a big arena. The fans' enthusiasm was incredible.'
As the Olympics approach, the organizers' optimism persists, with the goal of completing the arena's construction by February 5th, when the Italian and French women's teams are set to begin their tournament.
