Olympic hockey rink size vs. NHL: Why Italy's Olympics ice is smaller than usual in 2026

One of the most exciting events in the winter Olympics is ice hockey. This is likely because it is the sport that fans see more often throughout the year and are most familiar with. 

It is also the event that has created some of the most iconic memories at the Winter Games. While many may tune in to the NHL in between Olympics for their hockey itch, those tuning in to the Olympics may notice some differences.

While the size of a hockey rink is standardized in the NHL, there is a difference between the NHL rink and the rinks used at the 2026 Olympics in Italy. The rinks in Italy are noticeably smaller than NHL rinks. 

Here is more on why the Olympics are using a smaller hockey rink than the NHL does. 

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NHL hockey rink size

An NHL hockey rink's size has been standardized since 1929. It measures 200 ft. long by 85 ft. wide.

This is longer than the International Ice Hockey Federation regulations, which come in at 60m long, or 196.85 ft. The difference is the width. While NHL rinks are 85 ft. wide, IIHF rinks are 30m, or 98.43 feet wide. This would be 13 feet wider than NHL rinks. 

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Milan Olympic hockey rink size

While international hockey rinks are considered larger than NHL rinks, being two feet shorter and 13 feet wider, the 2026 Olympics in Italy went a different direction.

The Winter Games opted to utilize a hybrid rink. They decided to go with 60m, or 196.85 ft., in length and 26m, 85.3 ft., in width. This makes it slightly smaller than the NHL rink, and significantly smaller than typical IIHF rinks.

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Olympic hockey rink vs. NHL

The IIHF released a statement about the hybrid rinks that were decided upon for use at the 2026 Winter Games.

"The IIHF can confirm that the ice surfaces for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will measure 60.0 m x 26.0 m (approximately 196.85 ft. x 85.3 ft).  While these dimensions differ slightly from a typical NHL rink, they are consistent with IIHF regulations, match the rink size used at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and are fully consistent with the dimensions the NHL requires as part of its Global Series Game arena specifications.  All involved, the IIHF, the Organizing Committee, NHL, NHLPA, IOC and the relevant venue authorities agree that the differences in rink specifications are insignificant, and should not impact either the safety or quality of game play. We look forward to welcoming the world’s best players for a best-on-best competition at the Games."

The Olympics in Italy opted to use a rink size that was more standard in the NHL, and that was used in two previous Olympics, including the 2022 games in Beijing.