APCOM

Despite the summer heat, in Milano it's time for ice sports. Two months after the Vipers' farewell to the A1 league (with five national titles won), the Hockey Milano Rossoblu team has entered the A2 championship. The unexpected event was made possible thanks to the city council, which allowed the team to use free of charge the Agorà Ice Stadium.

The policy of the municipal councillor for Sports Giovanni Terzi guarantees that teams of so-called 'minor sports' (all but Serie A football and basketball) either will be able to use their facilities for free or the city council will foot the bill.

The new Hockey Milano Rossoblu was initially due to have only a youth section, open to most of the Vipers' 130 younger members. But, neither the city council nor the supporters were ready to give up having a senior team, and the fans launched a petition and fund raising (of at least 50 euros per person) through the Internet.

The 2,268 people who joined in the initiative convinced some local businessmen, who had been approached by the city council, that there were still many people who loved this sport in Milano and that sponsoring the team was money well spent. Milanese hockey is safe and supporters can start dreaming about regaining the top spot.