The Bolshoi Ice Dome, Sochi's ice hockey stadium for the 2014 Winter Olympics, has garnered so much praise – from the International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) Facility Committee.

Led by IIHF vice-president Kalervo Kummola, members of the Committee, visited a number of Olympic venues, including the ice dome, during the trip.

IIHF Facility Committee secretary Cornelia Ljungberg labelled the ice dome (pictured) "amazing".

"It was half-done, there's still work to do on the inside, but on the outside it looks quite ready and the plaza in front was very impressive," she enthused.

"This was a very encouraging visit as we are very confident that not only will everything be ready for the Olympics, but the main hockey venue will be ready [for hockey] one year ahead of the Olympic tournament," said Kummola.

The 12,000-capacity ice dome is set to be ready for operation by September.