As British Columbia and Alberta prepare to adopt year-round daylight saving time this autumn, the NHL is gearing up for a unique challenge in scheduling its 2026-27 season. The decision to eliminate biannual clock adjustments could significantly alter game times, affecting both local fans and broadcasting schedules across Canada.
A Shift in Time
With British Columbia finalising its permanent daylight saving time initiative last March, and Alberta following suit just last month, the time difference between these provinces and parts of Canada that maintain standard time will decrease by one hour. This change threatens to complicate the NHL’s traditional game scheduling, particularly for franchises located in the Pacific Time Zone.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the potential fallout, stating, “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.” The league typically unveils its schedule in mid-July, with regular-season matches commencing in early October.
Implications for Game Times
For teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators, home games traditionally kick off at 7 p.m. local time. This has allowed for seamless scheduling of doubleheaders with their counterparts in Alberta and B.C. However, with the time difference now reduced, the NHL may need to reassess game start times to ensure that back-to-back broadcasts remain feasible, potentially leading to overlaps or later starts for Western teams.
Chris Zelkovich, an instructor at the Toronto-based College of Sports Media, expressed concerns over how these changes could affect viewer engagement. “If you throw roadblocks at people like starting games at inconvenient times, you are going to lose audience,” he warned. The challenge is magnified for teams that may not be competing for the Stanley Cup—fans may find it less worthwhile to tune in if games are scheduled at inconvenient hours.
The Challenge for Fans and Families
The potential for later start times raises alarms among teams seeking to maintain their fanbase. Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of the Edmonton Oilers, noted that ensuring games remain accessible for families and younger fans is paramount. “Any shift that results in later game start times is a concern,” he remarked, highlighting the difficulties families may face in attending games or watching live broadcasts.
As the NHL navigates this new landscape, broadcasters will have to adapt as well. While Sportsnet and TSN have not provided specific comments on the implications, experts suggest that the scheduling shift may not fundamentally alter the business model but could complicate advertising strategies. Mike Naraine, an associate professor of sport management at Brock University, stated, “It might cause broadcasters a little bit more work, but it’s just another thing that they just work through.”
Adjustments Across the League
Canadian teams in the Eastern time zone will likely be the most affected, as the reduced time gap could disrupt the flow of late-night games, particularly when facing teams along the U.S. West Coast. For example, a game starting at 9:30 p.m. in Alberta could mean fans are not heading to bed until past midnight.
While the Canadian Football League (CFL) has its own scheduling considerations, its regular season concludes before the NHL starts, meaning it remains unaffected by this specific change. As the NHL continues to adapt, the impact of these time adjustments will be closely monitored by fans, teams, and broadcasters alike.
Why it Matters
The decision to implement permanent daylight saving time in British Columbia and Alberta is more than just a matter of convenience; it poses significant challenges for the NHL in terms of scheduling and maintaining viewer engagement. As the league seeks to balance the needs of its teams with the expectations of its fanbase, the outcomes of these adjustments could shape the viewing experience for countless hockey enthusiasts across Canada. The integrity of the game and its accessibility to fans hangs in the balance as the season approaches, making it a critical period for both the league and its supporters.
