The National Hockey League (NHL) is gearing up for a significant scheduling challenge ahead of the 2026-27 season, as British Columbia and Alberta prepare to implement year-round daylight saving time this autumn. This shift will eliminate the biannual clock changes in these provinces, resulting in a reduced time difference with the Eastern Time Zone. As a consequence, game times may be affected, prompting discussions around the implications for fans and broadcasters alike.
A New Time Zone Reality
With this change, the time gap between the Pacific Time Zone teams, such as the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers, and their Eastern counterparts, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, will narrow from three hours to two hours. This adjustment could significantly influence game scheduling, particularly for the NHL, which typically releases its season timetable in mid-July, with regular-season play commencing in early October.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the potential disruptions, 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.” His remarks reflect the league’s adaptability, although there is a consensus that these changes will require careful planning.
Impact on Game Scheduling
The traditional start time for home games in the Eastern Time Zone is usually set for 7 p.m. local time. This has allowed for a seamless scheduling of doubleheaders, where fans can easily tune in to watch multiple games in succession. However, with the new arrangement, the NHL may need to adjust start times to avoid overlap between games, which could lead to conflicts in broadcasting schedules.
Chris Zelkovich, a sports media instructor at the Toronto-based College of Sports Media, expressed concern about how the changes could affect viewership. “If you throw roadblocks at people like starting games at different or inconvenient times, you are going to lose audience,” he warned. This sentiment echoes the apprehension among fans and broadcasters about the potential loss of engagement if games become harder to follow.
Challenges for Fans and Broadcasters
The implications of this time shift extend beyond mere scheduling. For teams in Alberta and British Columbia, road games against teams in the U.S. West Coast could now start at later times, resulting in games that finish well past midnight local time. Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of the Edmonton Oilers, emphasised the importance of accessibility for fans: “Ensuring hockey games remain accessible for fans in Oil Country is our priority. 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.”
The Calgary Flames opted not to comment on the matter, while the Vancouver Canucks did not respond to inquiries. Broadcasters, including Sportsnet and TSN, maintain that the NHL sets the schedule and start times, leaving them to navigate the changes as best they can.
Broader Implications for the League
Experts in sports management, like Mike Naraine from Brock University, suggest that while the changes may not fundamentally alter the NHL’s business model, they could complicate operations for broadcasters and the league itself. “It might, from an advertising perspective, cause (broadcasters) a little bit more work. It’s not a problem, but just another thing that they just work through,” he noted.
The Canadian Football League (CFL), which also features multiple teams across the country, may face similar scheduling dilemmas in the future as they utilise doubleheaders during their season. However, with their regular season concluding on October 24, this year’s schedule is unlikely to be affected by the recent time changes.
Why it Matters
The shift to permanent daylight saving time in British Columbia and Alberta represents more than just a change in clocks; it poses a fundamental challenge to the NHL’s scheduling integrity and its relationship with fans. The potential for later game start times could alienate viewers, especially families who may find it increasingly difficult to follow their teams. In an era where viewer engagement is paramount, the league must navigate these changes carefully to ensure that hockey remains accessible and appealing to its dedicated fanbase. As the NHL adapts to this new reality, it will be crucial for the league to prioritise the needs of its supporters while maintaining the excitement that defines the sport.
