The NHL is gearing up for a unique set of challenges as British Columbia and Alberta transition to year-round daylight saving time this autumn. This significant change will eliminate the biannual clock adjustments in these provinces, subsequently reducing the time difference between them and other Canadian regions that still observe the time change. The implications for game schedules, particularly for hockey, are profound and could disrupt long-standing traditions and viewership patterns.
A New Time Zone Reality
The move towards permanent daylight saving time follows British Columbia’s decision last March, with Alberta implementing a similar plan just last month. As a result, the time gap between the Western provinces and those in the Eastern time zone—home to teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators—will be reduced from two or three hours to just one. This alteration could have a significant impact on game scheduling as the NHL typically releases its schedule in mid-July, with the regular season commencing in early October.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the potential complications during a press conference before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We’ll deal with it,” he stated confidently. “It may impact some start times in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. But we’ll deal with it just as we deal with whatever things come our way that we don’t get to control.”
Scheduling Conflicts on the Horizon
The implications of this time shift are multifaceted. Traditionally, Eastern teams have scheduled their home games at 7 p.m. local time, allowing for doubleheaders that included Western teams like the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks. However, with the time difference shrinking, the NHL may need to rethink its strategy to avoid overlapping games or adjust start times to accommodate television schedules.
Chris Zelkovich, an instructor at the College of Sports Media in Toronto, highlighted the potential consequences for audience engagement. “If you throw roadblocks at people like starting games at different or inconvenient times, you are going to lose audience,” he cautioned. The upcoming changes could result in later start times for games in the West, particularly affecting fans who may find it challenging to watch games that run late into the evening.
The Fans’ Perspective
Fans in Alberta and British Columbia are likely to feel the effects of these changes keenly, especially when their teams play away games along the U.S. West Coast. For instance, if a game begins at 9:30 p.m. Alberta time, it could extend past midnight, making it less feasible for families and younger fans to attend or watch live.
Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of the Oilers, expressed concerns over the impact of later game times. “Ensuring hockey games remain accessible for fans in Oil Country is our priority,” he explained. “Any shift that results in later game start times is a concern—particularly as it creates challenges for families and young fans attending games or watching live broadcasts.”
Broadcasters and the Business of Hockey
While broadcasters like Sportsnet and TSN have acknowledged the scheduling complexities, they have largely deferred to the league regarding the final decisions on game times. Mike Naraine, an associate professor at Brock University, downplayed the potential disruption, suggesting that while it may complicate advertising strategies, it would not fundamentally alter the NHL’s business model. “It might, from an advertising perspective, cause broadcasters a little bit more work,” he noted. “It’s not a problem, but just another thing that they just work through.”
The CFL, which also features a series of doubleheaders, will be insulated from these changes for the current season, as its regular season concludes on October 24.
Why it Matters
The transition to permanent daylight saving time in British Columbia and Alberta is more than a mere clock adjustment; it represents a significant shift in how fans engage with their beloved sport. As the NHL navigates these scheduling challenges, the league must remain vigilant in maintaining accessibility for its audience. The balance between accommodating television schedules and ensuring that fans can enjoy the excitement of hockey without disruption will be crucial as the 2026-27 season approaches, highlighting the intricate relationship between sport, society, and time.
