The landscape of the NHL’s scheduling is set for a significant transformation as British Columbia and Alberta transition to year-round daylight saving time this autumn. This move, designed to eliminate the hassle of biannual clock adjustments, will narrow the time difference between these provinces and others in Canada that continue to change their clocks. As a result, game times for the league could be affected, posing a challenge for broadcasters and fans alike.
Impact on Game Scheduling
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the potential complications during a press conference preceding Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We’ll deal with it,” Bettman remarked. “It may impact some start times in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.” The league typically unveils its schedule in mid-July, with regular-season play commencing in early October. This shift could necessitate a re-evaluation of game start times, particularly for evening matches.
Traditionally, teams in the Eastern time zone, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators, have scheduled home games for 7 p.m. local time. This has allowed for a convenient doubleheader arrangement with their counterparts in Alberta and British Columbia, where game times have typically been two or three hours later. With the time gap shrinking to just one hour, the NHL may find itself needing to adjust start times to ensure smooth broadcasting and fan engagement.
Challenges for Fans and Broadcasters
Chris Zelkovich, an instructor at the College of Sports Media in Toronto, expressed concerns about how this shift could affect viewership. “If you throw roadblocks at people, like starting games at inconvenient times, you are going to lose audience,” he warned. This sentiment resonates with many fans who may find it challenging to attend or watch games if they begin too late in the evening.
The implications extend beyond local audiences. Teams such as the Flames, Oilers, and Canucks will face a unique situation when playing road games along the U.S. West Coast. For instance, a game that starts at 9:30 p.m. Alberta time could run past midnight, complicating the experience for local fans.
Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of the Edmonton Oilers, emphasised the importance of game accessibility for fans in Oil Country. “Any shift that results in later game start times is a concern, particularly for families and young fans attending games or watching live broadcasts,” he stated.
Broader Implications for the League
While the NHL grapples with these time changes, experts suggest that the overall business model of the league will remain intact. Mike Naraine, an associate professor of sport management at Brock University, noted, “I don’t think it fundamentally changes their business. It might, from an advertising perspective, cause broadcasters a little bit more work, but it’s not a problem; just another thing that they work through.”
The Canadian Football League, which also employs a doubleheader format in its schedule, will not be affected by this change this season, as its regular season ends before the time changes take effect.
Why it Matters
The decision by British Columbia and Alberta to implement permanent daylight saving time presents a new set of challenges for the NHL, impacting everything from scheduling to fan engagement. As the league prepares for the 2026-27 season, it must consider how this shift could affect viewership and attendance, especially among families. The ability to adapt to these changes not only impacts the league’s bottom line but also reinforces its commitment to fans across Canada, ensuring that hockey remains an accessible and beloved sport for all.
