"This is a joke": Fans react as IIHF confirms Milan Olympics ice surface shorter than NHL standard

The International Ice Hockey Federation officially confirmed on Monday that the ice surfaces for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics will measure 60 meters by 26 meters (196.85 feet by 86.3 feet).

Notably, the Milan ice surfaces will be over three feet shorter than the NHL's standard of 200 feet by 85 feet. The IIHF also added that the differences in rink dimensions are minimal and will not impact player safety or the quality of play.

Chris Johnston

@reporterchris

The IIHF confirms the ice surfaces for the Milan Olympics will be shorter than a typical NHL building -- 196.85 ft. x 85.3 ft -- and defends the decision: "The differences in rink specifications are insignificant, and should not impact either the safety or quality of game play."

Here's how NHL fans on X (formerly called Twitter) reacted. One tweeted:

"LOL giving the best skaters in the world less surface to play on will definitely have 0 implications! This is a joke."

Another chimed in:

"Just pretend you're playing inside the old Boston Gsrden. LOL"

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

"Won’t be insignificant to the poor kid on Latvia getting absolutely lit up on the forecheck by Tom Wilson," a third fan wrote.

"The NHL should just pull out of the event and have their own tournament which includes a Russian team," another opined.

"Don’t worry everyone, giving the best and fastest players in the world less room to work with won’t impact the quality of play," one X user wrote.

"The bigger question is where else did the Italian Olympic Committee skimp on costs…if they could even figure out the ice size what else will be found?" another chimed in.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly shares his thoughts on the 2026 Milan Olympics decision

Following the IIHF announcement, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly shared his thoughts on the 2026 Milan Olympics decision. Speaking during a press briefing after the NHL Board of Governors meeting on Monday, Daly said:

“If the players feel that the ice is unsafe to play, then we’re not going to play. It’s as simple as that.”

Chris Johnston

@reporterchris

Bill Daly, on how the NHL will approach a decision on the 2026 Milan Olympics: "If the players feel that the ice is unsafe to play, then we're not going to play. It's as simple as that."

The arena in Milan is scheduled to be completed on February 2, three days before the women’s tournament. Meanwhile, the men’s tournament will commence on February 11.