The NHL is looking forward to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. However, the news we are here to report, is that they are canceling a previously planned event related to the Olympics. The NHL was planning on a send-off event prior to the Olympics from the home of the New York Islanders on Long Island, the UBS Arena, but has decided to cancel said event. Let’s break down the detail.
All Star news: NHL canceling Olympic sendoff event at UBS Arena in February. NHL & NHLPA allowing players to focus on their preparation and travel to Milan.
Traditional NHL All Star Game & Skills Competition is returning following year: Feb 5-7 2027 at UBS on Long Island.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) October 22, 2025
NHL 2026 Winter Olympic Send-Off Event Canceled
Back in late September, news emerged of a unique event the NHL, and greater hockey community in general, were planning. They had been planning an event, similar to the annual festivities to kickoff the NFL’s Super Bowl, prior to the NHLers leaving for Italy to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics. That news has now changed, as the NHL decided to cancel that event.
The Winter Olympics are currently officially scheduled from Friday, February 6th to Sunday, February 22nd. However, some events may begin slightly before that time. This is the first time NHL players will get the chance to take part in the Olympics since the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. In that tournament, Team Canada won gold, which was its second in-a-row in fact. Needless to say, NHL players and fans alike, can’t wait for a best-on-best tourney.
What Else Does this Update Entail?
This announcement also includes another note. The 2027 February timeline will include the UBS Arena in its plans. The NHL will present a traditional NHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition over the first weekend in February. The dates for that even are February 5th to 7th, 2027. The important thing in today’s news of a cancelation, is that no on-ice product will be impacted. The NHLers are still going to the Olympics, and we get a normal All-Star Game in 2027. Woohoo, it’s win-win, well mostly.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte – Imagn Images
