Canada is preparing for far more than a hockey game this Sunday. As the country’s men’s team faces the United States for Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games, anticipation has transformed into a nationwide event — one significant enough to trigger temporary changes in provincial alcohol laws.
The early puck drop has done nothing to dampen excitement. If anything, it has intensified it.
Provinces adjust laws for historic morning
According to NHL reporter Chris Johnston, multiple provinces have adjusted alcohol regulations to permit service beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday. The move underscores the magnitude of the matchup, as fans prepare to gather in bars, arenas, and homes across the country.
Hundreds of watch parties are scheduled nationwide, while Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena will open its doors at 7 a.m., allowing supporters to unite and experience the gold medal clash together. The unusual morning start time has become part of the spectacle, fueling a shared sense of occasion.
This is not just another international contest — it is a defining chapter in one of sport’s fiercest rivalries.
Road to the final sets the stage
Canada’s journey to the championship game has been anything but straightforward. The team secured its place in the final with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Finland. Earlier, it required overtime to edge past Czechia in the quarterfinals, proving its resilience under pressure.
The United States, meanwhile, advanced emphatically with a 6-2 win over Slovakia, setting the stage for a heavyweight showdown between two hockey powerhouses.
The rivalry’s intensity was perfectly captured by U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk.
“This is the pinnacle of the sport,” Tkachuk said. “This is as good as it gets. A rivalry that’s as good as it gets. So there will be not one TV without this game on in the United States and in Canada and that should get you pretty fired up.”
More than a game
With legal adjustments, early-morning arena openings, and nationwide celebrations planned, Sunday’s Olympic final has transcended sport. It represents national pride, generational rivalry, and a moment capable of uniting millions before sunrise.
When the puck drops, Canada will not simply be watching hockey — it will be witnessing history.