Three Canadian provinces have decided to remain on daylight saving time throughout the year, a move that will push several NHL start times later in the evening for Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia franchises. The decision means the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks will see a handful of games scheduled for 9 p.m. local time or later, prompting players to adjust sleep routines, rely on caffeine and, in some cases, nap more frequently to stay ready for competition.
Calgary Flames Face a Series of 9 p.m. Starts
The Flames have been told that eight of their fixtures – including home games on December 26 and January 16 – will begin at 9 p.m. local time. President and chief executive officer Robert Hayes told The Canadian Press that the schedule shift is “out of our control”, adding that his philosophy has always been to focus on what can be influenced. Captain Mikael Backlund accepted the reality, noting that professional athletes must do what is necessary to prepare and that “there’s caffeine out there” to help them cope with the later evenings.
Edmonton Oilers Prepare for a Similar Pattern
Across the province, the Oilers are set to play seven games that start at 9 p.m. Defenceman Jake Walman speculated that fewer family members might be able to tune in from home, while teammate Trent Frederic explained he will shift his bedtime, nap and lunch schedule to accommodate the later finish. Frederic emphasised the value of naps, saying, “The naps are big, or at least they are for myself… A lot of times after games, the later games, you’re going to bed late, you’re still wired, so it’s just important to kind of stick with getting the good naps.”
Winnipeg Jets See a Dozen Games Pushed Back
Manitoba’s announcement on September 17 coincided with the opening of NHL training camps. The following day the league released a revised schedule for a dozen Jets home games, moving each start time back by one hour but ensuring none exceed 7:30 p.m. local time. From November 1 the province will share the same clock as Toronto, a change that the Jets’ locker room will have to absorb as they navigate a season where evening puck drops are now the norm rather than the exception.
Vancouver Canucks Anticipate a Patchwork of Start Times
In British Columbia, the Canucks will experience a more varied road schedule. One January road trip features five different start times ranging from noon to 6 p.m., a situation winger Brendan Gallagher described as “different” and something the team has “never really been through”. He added that even an 8 p.m. season‑opener feels unusual, but the squad will adapt. Commissioner Gary Bettman, speaking at the Stanley Cup Final in June, acknowledged the lack of consultation but said the league would “deal with just as we deal with whatever things come our way that we don’t get to control”.
Why it Matters
The provinces’ decision to abandon the biannual clock change creates a ripple effect that extends beyond simple inconvenience; it alters player recovery, fan engagement and broadcast logistics across the NHL’s Western Canadian market. Later game times may increase reliance on stimulants and strategic napping, potentially affecting performance and injury risk over a long season. For supporters, especially those with early work or family commitments, the shift could reduce live‑audience numbers and alter viewing habits. Ultimately, the move underscores how regional policy decisions can directly influence the operational rhythm of a professional sport, reminding teams and fans alike that adaptability remains a crucial part of the game.
