Olympic hockey rink to install lighter boards for playoff rounds

The boards at Santagiulia Arena, the main hockey venue for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, have come under massive focus throughout the men’s and women’s hockey tournaments. 

Yet, they will have a new look when the men’s hockey qualification playoffs begin on Tuesday, the IIHF telling ESPN that the color will be switched to something lighter after receiving feedback from teams and national Olympic committees. 

Initially a topic of discussion for their plain display, a refreshing sight for regular NHL and PWHL viewers used to heavy advertising, the darker color of the boards may have played a role in USA netminder Jeremy Swayman conceding a goal from near center ice against Denmark, the highlight of several fluky goals in the tournament. 

According to the report, the IIHF often replaces boards midway through tournaments due to wear and tear. At some IIHF events, which include advertising on the boards, the adhesive cover is even switched multiple times per game, as it is in the NHL. 

The Santagiulia Arena will host the majority of men’s playoff games and the women’s medal matches through the remainder of the Olympics.

On Tuesday, it will see Germany vs. France, Czechia vs. Denmark and Sweden vs. Latvia in the qualification round, while Switzerland faces Italy at the secondary RHO Arena, built inside a convention center alongside the speed skating oval.

While there were many concerns about the readiness of the Santagiulia Arena heading into the tournament, the IOC, IIHF and Milan Cortina 2026 organizers brought it to a suitable level for in-person, TV and player experiences, even if some of the amenities may be well below the level NHL stars have become accustomed to throughout their careers. 

Following Tuesday’s qualification games, all four men’s quarterfinal games will be played on Wednesday, leading up to the bronze medal game on Saturday and Sunday’s gold medal showdown.