MILAN, Italy, Dec 8 : The size of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics ice hockey arena was defended by Games organisers and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on Monday after reports that it was shorter than the standard used in NHL venues.

The debate about dimensions is the latest cloud over the Santagiulia Arena in Milan, after building delays mean test events won't be held until January 9-11, less than a month before the Games open.

Sports website The Athletic reported last week that the size of the surface rink had fuelled concerns about safety as elite NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.

According to The Athletic, the IIHF approved a 60-metre (196.85 foot) by 26-metre surface in Milan, which is more than three feet shorter than the 200-

See Full Page