In Milan, Chris Jones reports on the preparations for the upcoming Winter Olympics. The Milano Santagiulia hockey arena, once a construction site, is now ready to host the games with the help of Canadian ice master Don Moffatt.
Despite initial challenges and doubts, Moffatt successfully transformed the arena into a playable surface just days before the start of the competition. With meticulous efforts and late-night work, he rebuilt the ice rink to ensure it meets the highest standards.
As the final touches were made to the facility, including a new scoreboard and advanced camera system, Moffatt expressed confidence in the ice quality, stating it is NHL-ready. Teams have started practicing on the ice, with Moffatt emphasizing the need to break it down and build it back stronger for optimal performance.
However, due to the unique setup of the arena, the ice produces a distinct sound that players will need to adjust to during the games. Moffatt plans to warn the teams about the unusual acoustics to prevent any surprises during gameplay.
With the arena now fully operational and equipped for the Winter Olympics, Moffatt reflects on his journey preparing the ice surface and looks forward to the exciting competitions ahead.