As dawn broke over Western Canada, a wave of enthusiasm swept through the region as fans eagerly tuned in to the Olympic hockey semifinal match against Finland. With the Games taking place in northern Italy, local supporters faced a significant time difference—eight hours behind Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a full nine hours behind British Columbia. This scenario has become a familiar one for Canadian sports enthusiasts, having experienced similar challenges during past Olympic events held in far-flung locations such as Paris (2024), Beijing (2022), Tokyo (2020), and Pyeongchang (2018).
Early Birds Gather at Local Bars
At the Shark Club Sports Bar and Grill in Vancouver, the 7:40 a.m. puck drop did little to deter more than 100 dedicated fans from gathering to witness Canada’s thrilling 3-2 victory. Breakfast options included mouth-watering tacos, hearty home fries, eggs, and bacon, perfectly complemented by a selection of coffee, Guinness, and mimosas.
Among the attendees was Simon Marshall, a newcomer from Australia who managed to don a Canada jersey just in time for the match. Despite battling jet lag, Marshall was keen to immerse himself in the sport. “I’ve been watching ‘Mighty Ducks’—all three of them—to get a better understanding,” he shared, acknowledging his typical focus on the Summer Games. “I’m just a sport lover, so I’m trying to embrace the Winter Olympics.”
The Spirit of Camaraderie
Malik Dhami and John Cookson, who opted for coffee rather than beer, echoed the sentiment that the atmosphere of a communal viewing experience was irreplaceable. “We could have watched at home, but as Canadians, it’s important to come out and support our team,” Dhami remarked. Cookson added, “We wanted a venue where we could enjoy the game with others, loud and lively.”
The general manager of the establishment, Murray Saunders, noted the city had adjusted the bar’s liquor licence for the duration of the Olympics, allowing for beer to be served as early as 5:30 a.m., just in time for the upcoming men’s final on Sunday. “It’s all about cheering for Canada,” Saunders explained, highlighting the buzz surrounding the bar, which had also hosted the local Vancouver Goldeneyes hockey team for the women’s final against the U.S.
A Sense of Community in Edmonton
In downtown Edmonton, Amelia Carruthers remarked on the special camaraderie found in watching the game alongside fellow fans. “Watching at home doesn’t compare; the energy here is unbeatable,” she said while enjoying breakfast with her daughter, Chloe Paré. She also noted her surprise at the number of patrons choosing to sip beer at such an early hour.
Nearby, Schyla Courtorielle shared a table with a friend and her father, who was simultaneously working on his laptop. “It’s great because we can keep up with the game while still being productive,” she said, revealing a routine of starting with breakfast and tea before switching to drinks as the morning progressed.
As the match unfolded, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch, with fans at the Shark Club rising to their feet and singing along to Stompin’ Tom Connors’ iconic “The Hockey Song” after Canada’s victory. The excitement is set to continue this weekend, with the puck dropping on the gold medal match scheduled for 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET.
Why it Matters
The enthusiasm surrounding the Olympic hockey matches exemplifies the deep-rooted passion Canadians have for the sport, transcending time zones and early mornings. It not only fosters a sense of community among fans but also highlights the importance of supporting national pride on the global stage. As Canada continues to compete for Olympic glory, these shared experiences serve to unite diverse communities, reinforcing the unique cultural significance of hockey in Canadian society.
