Cortina plays in the wooden arena built for the 1956 Winter Olympics.
"The ice is much bigger, Olympic size, so it's much more of an open game," he said. "It's fun to play, it's such a skill game, there's not all that pushing and hitting like the NHL.
"It's a big difference, but the Italian league is very competitive, especially this year with all the American players coming over," said Cullen, who estimated that about 20 NHLers are now in Italy.
Another difference is Cullen's contract. He earned US$1.75 million with the Panthers last season.
Now he gets 6,000 euros (US$7,930) per month playing for a non-profit team.
"I'm really happy here. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world," Cullen said.
ap, TORONTO
The World Hockey Association is planning a comeback, aiming to start a new North American pro ice hockey league in the fall with at least six teams.
The old WHA, which operated from 1972-1979 before it folded and some of its teams were absorbed by the National Hockey League, is being revived by businessman Ricky Smith. The organization said in a statement Friday that Smith and unidentified partners are "in discussions with potential franchise owners."
Smith said he has been contacted by players during the NHL lockout, which began four months ago with no resolution in sight.
"But we have to remember that this is a long-term proposition for all of us," Smith said.
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