As the NHL gears up for the 2026-27 season, it is confronted with a new challenge stemming from significant changes in timekeeping in British Columbia and Alberta. These provinces have recently adopted permanent daylight saving time, eliminating the biannual clock changes that have long been a fixture in Canadian life. This adjustment will not only alter the time gap between these provinces and regions that continue to observe standard time but also has the potential to disrupt the scheduling of hockey games across the league.
A Shift in Timekeeping
British Columbia’s decision to make daylight saving time permanent was formalised last March, with Alberta following suit in the previous month. The consequence of this change means that the time difference between these western provinces and those still adhering to the traditional clock changes will be reduced by one hour. For example, the typical 2-3 hour lag behind Eastern Time for teams like the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks will now be just 1-2 hours.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the implications of this shift ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final. “It may impact some start times in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver,” he noted. “But we’ll deal with it just as we deal with whatever things come our way that we don’t get to control.”
Impact on Game Scheduling
The NHL typically unveils its schedule around mid-July, with regular-season games commencing in early October. Traditionally, teams in the Eastern Time Zone—such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators—begin their home games at 7 p.m. local time. This has facilitated a harmonious scheduling framework with their counterparts in the west.
However, the reduction of the time difference means that overlapping game times may become more frequent, particularly when accounting for doubleheaders that are a staple of the hockey viewing experience. This shift could necessitate later start times for western teams, prompting concerns from fans and broadcasters alike. Chris Zelkovich, an instructor at the College of Sports Media in Toronto, emphasised the potential consequences of inconvenient scheduling, stating, “If you throw roadblocks at people like starting games at different or inconvenient times, you are going to lose audience.”
Concerns from Teams and Broadcasters
The Edmonton Oilers have articulated their priorities in ensuring that games remain accessible for fans. Stew MacDonald, the team’s president and chief revenue officer, expressed concerns regarding later game start times, particularly for families and young fans. “Any shift that results in later game start times is a concern,” he stated. “It creates challenges for families and young fans attending games or watching live broadcasts.”
While the Calgary Flames chose not to comment, the Vancouver Canucks did not respond to inquiries regarding how this change might affect their scheduling. Broadcasting partners have also weighed in, with Sportsnet and TSN indicating that the league ultimately dictates the schedule and start times.
Navigating the New Landscape
Despite the potential complications, experts believe that the NHL and its broadcasters will adapt to these changes without fundamentally altering their business model. Mike Naraine, a sport management professor at Brock University, remarked, “It might cause broadcasters a little bit more work from an advertising perspective, but it’s not a problem, just another thing that they will work through.”
The Canadian Football League (CFL) also faces similar scheduling challenges, but with their regular season set to conclude on October 24, they will be minimally impacted by this time change for the current year.
Why it Matters
The transition to permanent daylight saving time in British Columbia and Alberta is not merely a logistical adjustment; it represents a broader cultural shift in how Canadians interact with time and sports. As fan engagement remains crucial for the success of the NHL, any disruption in game scheduling could lead to a decline in viewership, particularly among casual fans. This situation underscores the importance of strategic planning and adaptation in maintaining the sport’s robust following across the nation. As the NHL prepares for the upcoming season, its ability to navigate these changes will be pivotal in sustaining its connection with fans and ensuring that hockey remains a beloved pastime in Canada.
