The Athletic Hockey Show Olympic ice passes test weekend, but barely
10 snips
Jan 12, 2026 
Chris Johnston, an NHL insider from The Athletic, shares on-the-ground insights from Milan, revealing ongoing challenges with Olympic arena construction and ice quality. Despite these woes, he reassures that hockey can proceed. Joined by Arpon Basu, they delve into the competitive Atlantic Division, discussing team rebuilds and the impact of parity in standings. The guys also touch on the implications of false rumors surrounding player departures, highlighting the negative effects on players and fan perceptions.
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Giant Soft Spot Appeared On First Skates
- Chris Johnston described seeing a giant soft spot in the ice that delayed a game and required workers to repair it during play.
- He said it was the first time anyone skated on that newly made ice and it was alarming given the timeline.
Ice Is The Make‑Or‑Break Factor
- Johnston said the key win was proving hockey can be played on the ice despite construction delays.
- He explained as long as ice and main seating exist, an Olympic tournament is likely to proceed.
Much Of Arena Remains Incomplete
- Johnston listed many unfinished areas: dressing rooms, practice rink, hospitality suites, scoreboard and media tribune.
- He warned the building will feel shoestring in places and TV viewers may not notice everything.