The arrival of NHL players to the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, particularly for ice hockey, is expected to be complicated by the outbreak of the norovirus that has already impacted the women's teams. Reports confirm that the Swiss women's team is currently in isolation due to one player contracting the virus, which raises concerns on how this might affect other teams and athletes. In Finland, the situation appears to be more stable as the Finnish team has reported that the norovirus issue is easing, providing some reassurance against further complications.

Henna Malmberg, the communications director of the Finnish Ice Hockey Federation, confirmed that no alternative accommodation is being sought for the NHL stars from Finland, indicating that they will be housed in the Olympic Village as planned. Most Finnish NHL players are scheduled to arrive via a charter flight from New York on Sunday, with some having already traveled to Milano for the opening ceremonies. The men’s ice hockey tournament is set to begin on February 11, 2023, and with the ongoing health concerns, it remains to be seen if the situation will affect attendance or performance.

As the situation develops, it poses significant implications not only for the participating teams but also for the overall organization of the Olympics. The spread of the norovirus, known for causing gastroenteritis epidemics, could complicate logistics and athlete health, warranting further monitoring as the games approach. Coverage from reporters, including Emily Kaplan from ESPN, emphasizes the need for ongoing updates regarding athlete health and participation status during the games.