The Finnish national men's ice hockey team, known as the Lions, has confirmed that its NHL players will be accommodated in the competition village for the upcoming games in Milan. This decision comes in light of a norovirus outbreak that affected the women's team, raising concerns about the men's players' living arrangements. As the NHL players are set to arrive shortly, officials from the Finnish Ice Hockey Association state that, while the situation is being monitored, the men's accommodation is currently not affected by the health issues presented by the women's squad.

On Saturday, reports indicated that NHL stars would arrive in Milan on Sunday and begin their stay in the competition village the same day. The initial worries surrounding the players' accommodation came from the potential spread of the virus, which could lead to an urgent search for alternative housing. Communication director Henna Malmberg emphasized that the situation is fluid, and they are prepared to adjust plans if necessary, highlighting that the players' well-being remains a priority.

In addition, reports from ESPN indicated that some teams have prepared nearby hotels for players' family members, and that accommodations could be transferred to hotels if the norovirus issues escalate. With the arrival of the NHL players imminent, cautious optimism exists, as officials continue to evaluate the situation daily in anticipation of a smooth integration into the competition.