On the one hand the Soccer, the most famous game in Italy. On the other hand, thehockey, one of the most prominent disciplines in America and Canada. In view of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics the two sports join together for a international collaboration. 12 years have passed since the last Olympic participation of the players of the famous National Hockey LeagueAnd now, in February, the champions of the American and Canadian professional leagues will return to compete in the Winter Olympics. A historic “comeback”, to use the American term, capable of conferring great prestige on the tournament. ice Hockey of the Italian Olympics. And also for this reason the Serie A League, the NHL , NHLPA (the union representing hockey players) have decided to proceed with a series of promotional initiatives.
The huge social media success of photos of the two former Italian footballers, Andrea Pirlo and Marco Materazzi, along with Mika Zibanejad, the Swedish phenomenon of the New York Rangers and 2018 World Cup champion, also contributed to pushing the various parties in this direction. The meeting took place last March at the end of the game between the Rangers and the New York Islanders at Madison Square Gardens. After the game, the three celebrities exchanged their respective game jerseys. The collaboration between Lega Serie A and the NHL will begin on August 22, the date on which Milan will host theNHLPA European Player Media TourFor the occasion, some footballers from Italian teams will interact with players from the world’s top hockey league.
The following day, August 23, a delegation of at least 30 North American athletes will visit several Lombardy club training facilities and then travel to the Meazza Stadium to watch the match between AC Milan and Cremonese, the first matchday of the Serie A season. “This collaboration with the NHL and the NHLPA allows us to engage a global audience in new and exciting ways, while also celebrating the buildup to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. We aim to create a synergy that showcases the best of both leagues, bringing together Lega Serie A legends and hockey stars. We will provide an unforgettable experience for fans on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Andy Mitchell, CEO and managing director of Lega Serie A USA. Keith Wachtel, president of NHL Business, echoed this sentiment: “Many European players in the NHL grew up playing soccer. We believe this exchange opportunity can expand our base.”
Al.St.