The rink itself
One of the most noticeable differences between Olympic and NHL ice hockey had always been the ice surface. NHL rinks measure 200 feet long by 85 feet wide (60.6m x 25.9m), while Olympic competition traditionally used a larger 197 by 98.5 foot (60m x 30m) surface.
The extra space allowed for a more flowing, less physical style of play, often associated with European hockey.
That trend, however, is changing. Milano Cortina 2026 will be played on NHL-sized ice, only the third time Olympic hockey has done so after Vancouver 2010 and Beijing 2022.
Intermissions, rosters and equipment
Both NHL and Olympic hockey feature three 20-minute periods. The difference comes in the breaks: Olympic intermissions last 15 minutes, compared to 18 minutes in the NHL. That might not sound like much, but for players, it means slightly less recovery time between shifts.
Olympic roster sizes are also capped. In Milano Cortina 2026, men’s teams will bring 25 players (22 skaters and three goalies), while women’s squads will be limited to 23. NHL teams can suit up 20 players per game from a larger active roster.
