McDavid: Smaller Olympic ice 'not a big deal'

Edmonton Oilers captain and Team Canada Olympian Connor McDavid isn't concerned that the ice surface for the Milan Cortina Games will be over 3 feet shorter than the standard NHL rink.

"I don't care," McDavid told reporters Saturday. "Not a big deal."

He said he's more concerned about the quality of the surface.

"Obviously, you want the ice to be good, you'd like the ice quality to be good," he added. "The size of it doesn't matter."

All hockey games in Milan will be played on ice sheets of 196.85 feet by 85.3 feet - over 3 feet shorter than the standard 200 foot by 85 foot NHL rink. The difference in length is expected to be made up in the neutral zone so the offensive zones will match NHL dimensions.

The main arena in Milan has yet to be completed, though it's reportedly on track to be ready before the Olympics begin. The men's hockey tournament starts Feb. 11, shortly after the women's tournament gets underway Feb. 5.

Quick peek at the main arena in Milan. Obviously, a lot of work needs to get done. The NHL sounded positive earlier this week at BOG meetings the work will get done in time for the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/58UXkwmDFd

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 12, 2025

McDavid was one of six players named to Canada's men's Olympic hockey team in June. He enters Saturday second in NHL scoring with 48 points in 31 games this season.

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