The NHL is gearing up for a significant scheduling challenge for the 2026-27 season. With British Columbia and Alberta set to adopt permanent daylight saving time this autumn, the league will need to navigate a newly compressed time difference that could affect game start times and broadcasting arrangements. This shift, which eliminates the biannual clock changes, may disrupt the traditional rhythms of hockey viewing, especially during the highly anticipated doubleheader events.
Major Time Shift on the Horizon
The decision to move to year-round daylight saving time was finalised by British Columbia in March, with Alberta following suit last month. This adjustment means that areas in these provinces will no longer revert to standard time in the winter, which effectively reduces the time gap between them and Eastern Time Zone teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens from three hours to two. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the potential for scheduling 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.”
The NHL typically unveils its season schedule in mid-July, with regular-season games commencing in early October. Bettman’s comments suggest that while the league is prepared to adapt, the implications of this time change will require strategic planning in order to maintain viewer engagement.
Implications for Game Scheduling
Chris Zelkovich, a sports media instructor at the Toronto-based College of Sports Media, emphasised the potential consequences of inconvenient game start times. “If you throw roadblocks at people like starting games at different or inconvenient times, you are going to lose audience,” he warned. The traditional 7 p.m. start for home games in the Eastern time zone contrasts sharply with the start times in Alberta and British Columbia, where games have historically begun at 9 p.m. or later.
As the time difference narrows, the NHL faces a complex scheduling puzzle. The league may need to consider staggered game times or later starts in the west to ensure that back-to-back television windows remain intact. This shift could lead to overlaps in game schedules or even later finishes for West Coast games, which could impact fan attendance and viewership.
Fan Accessibility Concerns
The potential for later game start times has raised concerns among teams and fans alike. Stew MacDonald, president and chief revenue officer of the Edmonton Oilers, expressed that fan accessibility is a 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.” This sentiment is echoed by various stakeholders in the hockey community, highlighting the importance of accommodating fans’ schedules in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
Despite the challenges posed by the time change, experts believe the NHL can adapt its operations effectively. Mike Naraine, an associate professor of sport management at Brock University, remarked that while the scheduling adjustments may complicate matters, they are manageable and will likely not disrupt the league’s overall business model. He noted, “It might, from an advertising perspective, cause broadcasters a little bit more work, but it’s not a problem—just another thing that they’ll work through.”
Wider Context in Canadian Sports
The NHL is not the only league that will feel the effects of this change. The Canadian Football League (CFL), which also features a number of doubleheader events, will experience minimal impact this year, as its regular season concludes on October 24. However, the NHL’s scheduling will be the first to encounter the full effects of the new time policy, which could set a precedent for future seasons.
Why it Matters
The decision by British Columbia and Alberta to adopt permanent daylight saving time is more than a simple clock change; it poses a unique challenge for the NHL and its broadcasting partners. The potential for altered game start times could impact viewer engagement, attendance, and the overall experience for fans. As the league navigates this new landscape, its ability to adapt will not only influence the immediate scheduling of games but may also shape the future of hockey in Canada. The fans’ commitment to the sport could hinge on how well the NHL responds to these changes, underscoring the importance of flexibility in an evolving sports environment.
