The NHL is gearing up for a potential overhaul of its scheduling approach for the 2026-27 season, following British Columbia and Alberta’s recent decision to adopt permanent daylight saving time. This significant change, which will eliminate the twice-yearly clock shifts in these provinces, is set to narrow the time difference with regions that continue to observe standard time. This development could have far-reaching implications for game timings, particularly for the league’s Canadian teams, as they strive to maintain their audience and scheduling traditions.
New Time Dynamics in the NHL
The shift to a year-round daylight saving time was finalised in British Columbia last March, with Alberta following suit just last month. As a result, the time gap between these western provinces and parts of Canada that revert to standard time on November 1 will decrease from two hours to just one. This alteration could disrupt the scheduling of hockey matches, especially as the NHL typically announces its season schedule in mid-July, with games commencing in early October.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the challenge posed by these changes during a press conference prior to the Stanley Cup final in Raleigh, North Carolina. “It may impact some start times in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver,” he stated. “But we’ll deal with it just as we deal with whatever things come our way that we don’t get to control.”
Effects on Game Scheduling
The implications of this time change are particularly pronounced for Canadian teams in the Eastern Time Zone, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators, which traditionally start their home games at 7 p.m. local time. Typically, this timing has facilitated doubleheaders with teams from Alberta and British Columbia, like the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks, who have historically begun their games two or three hours later.
With the time difference now reduced, the NHL may need to reconsider how it schedules games to prevent overlaps and ensure that television broadcasts remain uninterrupted. This could mean later start times for teams in the west, which may inadvertently affect viewership. Chris Zelkovich, a sports media instructor, highlighted the potential ramifications: “If you throw roadblocks at people like starting games at inconvenient times, you are going to lose audience.”
Fan Experience at Risk
The shift in scheduling may also impact fans, especially families and younger viewers who attend games or tune in for live broadcasts. Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of the Edmonton Oilers, expressed concerns about later game start times creating difficulties for fans in Oil Country. “Ensuring hockey games remain accessible for fans is our priority,” he noted. “Any shift that results in later game start times is a concern.”
As the NHL navigates these changes, it will need to carefully balance viewer accessibility with the practicalities of scheduling. The league’s commitment to maintaining a robust fan base will be tested as it adapts to the new temporal landscape.
Broader Implications for Canadian Sports
The introduction of permanent daylight saving time is not just a challenge for the NHL; it could also affect other major Canadian sports leagues, including the CFL, which also relies on traditional doubleheaders. Although the CFL’s regular season ends on October 24, any adjustments made by the NHL could set a precedent for future scheduling considerations across all sports.
Experts believe that while the NHL will need to fine-tune its approach, this change is unlikely to have a catastrophic impact on the league’s business model. Mike Naraine, a sport management professor at Brock University, remarked, “I don’t think it fundamentally changes their business. It might cause broadcasters a bit more work, but it’s something they can work through.”
Why it Matters
The transition to permanent daylight saving time in British Columbia and Alberta represents a significant shift in the scheduling landscape for the NHL and other Canadian sports leagues. As the league adapts to these changes, it is crucial to prioritise fan accessibility and engagement, ensuring that hockey remains a beloved pastime across the country. The decisions made now will shape the viewing experience for countless fans, influencing attendance, viewership, and ultimately, the financial health of the league and its teams.
