No more clock changes could mean late nights for Alberta sports fans
Posted April 21, 2026 6:01 pm.
Last Updated April 21, 2026 9:12 pm.
Alberta’s decision to scrap the twice‑a‑year clock change would likely push Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers away games later into the night for local fans.
Premier Danielle Smith’s government confirmed Monday that Alberta will stop switching clocks in spring and fall, opting instead to permanently remain on daylight saving time year‑round.
The move will leave the province an hour further behind most U.S. states and Canadian provinces east of Saskatchewan, which still plan to “fall back” each autumn for now.
For Alberta resident Peter Johnson, the change is welcome.
“I didn’t like the time change when I moved here, and it doesn’t bother me at all,” he said. “It gives you more time after work in the winter.”
As for the impact on NHL schedules, if things remain relatively similar to what they are now, the Alberta teams would start at 9 or even 9:30 p.m. for some West Coast matchups, and move from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for most games out east.
Johnson says is it doesn’t concern him.
“In Saskatchewan, it never seemed to be a problem with the time zones, so it shouldn’t be a problem here,” he says.
When the time‑change debate previously surfaced in 2019, both the Flames and Oilers raised concerns about late start times and their potential effects on broadcast revenues.
The Flames declined to comment on Tuesday.
Most fans who spoke to CityNews seemed unfazed by the prospect of later puck drops.
“People who are fanatic about hockey, it will not matter what time they watch,” said Donna Schneider.
The province told CityNews that a one‑hour shift won’t keep Albertans from supporting their teams, no matter how late the games run.
