MILAN – Jon Cooper noticed the headlines over the previous couple of months.
The power set to function the primary rink on the Milano Cortina Olympics was a multitude.
There have been issues — justified ones, to be clear — about whether or not or not it could be prepared in time on account of development delays because the NHL ready for its return following a 12-year absence.
After one observe, Canada’s head coach got here away impressed.
“It’s one of many biggest rinks I’ve ever seen on the skin at evening … it’s phenomenal,” he mentioned of the glowing occasion centre with a facade of vivid lights. “I feel a few of the tales that got here out (forward) of the Olympics, it’s an injustice to what truly it appears like within the enviornment. It’s improbable.
“I can’t wait to see what it’s like when persons are right here as a result of it seems to be prefer it’s going to be cool.”
Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Area’s enjoying floor, which was one other huge concern on account of time constraints and an immovable deadline, confronted its hardest check Sunday with 5 observe periods, many involving hard-skating NHLers.
Snow constructed up greater than regular as Canada went via its paces within the ultimate group, however the gamers mentioned they’d no points contained in the 11,600-seat venue that also smells of recent paint within the corridors.
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“I’ve heard loads of various things coming into it,” mentioned captain Sidney Crosby. “I feel they’ve executed an excellent job. Numerous groups, lots of people shifting out and in, however that’s to be anticipated at these occasions.”
The US practised within the prior time-slot, and Auston Matthews had zero qualms.
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“I can’t think about having to place collectively one thing like this with a restricted period of time,” mentioned the American captain. “I believed they did a reasonably good job to get it up. The setup’s good, the rink seems to be good, the ice is strong — it’s by no means going to be excellent — nevertheless it’s cool.”
Swiss ahead Nino Niederreiter, in the meantime, gave blended opinions.
“The rink on the whole is improbable — it seems to be lovely,” he mentioned. “The ice, I feel there’s nonetheless work to be executed. It appeared just a little smooth. However there’s loads of practices on the ice, so it’s not simple.”
The world has 12 locker rooms and an adjoining observe rink. The amenities aren’t what the sport’s finest are used to, however nobody is complaining.
“It’s a good enjoying subject for everyone,” Canadian centre Connor McDavid mentioned. “Identical ice that everybody’s gonna skate on.”
EMPTY CHAIR
Russia continues to be banned from worldwide competitors due to the continuing struggle in Ukraine. Meaning the likes of stars Alex Ovechkin and Nikita Kucherov aren’t in Milan for the best-on-best showcase.
“They’ve some nice gamers,” U.S. defenceman Quinn Hughes mentioned. “However that’s lower than me … the fact is that they’re not right here, in order that’s all that issues.”
WALKING THE LINE
Tom Wilson, a hulking Canadian ahead, is ready to make his debut for Canada on the worldwide stage when the nation opens its event Thursday.
The hard-hitting ahead, who skated alongside McDavid and Macklin Celebrini at observe, was requested if he wants to vary his method with officiating usually tighter at this stage in comparison with the NHL.
“Haven’t considered it,” he mentioned. “I don’t know if you will get me the rule guide or I’ve obtained to debrief with some folks, however for now it’s hockey and I’m going to method it the identical method. I’m gonna play arduous, I’m enjoying quick, and do no matter it takes to win for this nation.”
STEERING CLEAR
Matthews was requested if he can be spending any time with Toronto Maple Leafs teammate William Nylander in Milan’s athletes’ village.
“I feel I’ll simply stick to my teammates right here and Workforce USA for the following couple weeks,” he mentioned with a smile. “We will reconvene again in Toronto.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Feb. 8, 2026.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
