Alberta’s decision to permanently adopt daylight saving time will lead to some late-night matchups for the Calgary Flames and their fans in the upcoming NHL season. Eight Flames games, including two at the Saddledome, will kick off at 9 p.m., prompting adjustments from players and families alike.
Flames captain Mikael Backlund acknowledged the need for preparation, mentioning the availability of caffeine to aid in readiness. Forward Ryan Strome, with young children, highlighted the challenge of late games, preventing his family from attending due to the late start times.
The province’s shift to a consistent time zone has impacted the NHL schedule for Western Canada teams, influencing game times and fan viewership. Flames’ CEO Robert Hayes emphasized focusing on the controllable aspects, accepting the external decisions affecting game schedules.
The Flames will see a mix of game times this season, with more afternoon matchups compared to previous years. This change is expected to bring excitement for families attending daytime games and create a lively atmosphere for the late-night fixtures.
While the Flames have late starts at 9 p.m., including games against the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings, the Edmonton Oilers will also have seven late games. Players like Jake Walman and Trent Frederic shared their strategies for adjusting to late games, emphasizing the importance of proper rest and routines.
Manitoba’s similar decision to stay on daylight time has led to schedule adjustments for the Winnipeg Jets, aligning game times with other regions. Teams like the Canucks face varied start times during road trips, requiring flexibility and adaptation from players accustomed to different game schedules.
Overall, the changes in game times due to the province’s time zone decisions have presented a unique challenge for NHL teams and their fans, requiring adjustments and flexibility to navigate the altered schedules effectively.