Winnipeg pubs ready for early morning hockey games
Posted February 5, 2026 5:17 pm.
Last Updated February 5, 2026 7:04 pm.
The Winter Olympics are set to get underway on Friday, and for the first time since 2014, the NHL is sending its best to compete.
However, with the seven-hour time difference, some of Team Canada’s games are slated for a 9:40 a.m. puck drop, but that’s not stopping local businesses.
“Unlike football, when people tend to order in with like the Grey Cups and the Super Bowls, the Olympics are one of those things that people come out for and cheer on their country for, especially hockey, people get right behind it,” said Dwight Benson, the owner and general manager of Elephant & Castle.
Anatolii Bilokon, the general manager of the Canadian Brewhouse, said, “It’s one of the biggest events for hockey in the year, so we’re definitely looking forward to it. We are planning to throw the party here. There will be a bunch of decorations. And for the bronze and gold game, we will have an afterparty, and we’re planning on doing lots of giveaways.”
Amidst tensions with the U.S., this year’s Olympics are evoking something more meaningful for fans.
“I have a great deal of pride for my country. I’m very happy that we have people in charge who are willing to stick it to the man,” said Carlin Marsden, a Winnipeg resident.
Brendan Black, another Winnipeg resident, said, “It’s been a long time coming. And the preview from last year from the Four Nations tourney last year gave us a preview of kind of what we’re expecting this year. I know Canada and the U.S.A. are going to be a big-time matchup regardless of what happens.”
The gold medal game is pencilled in for a 7:10 a.m. puck drop on Sunday, February 22, but Benson will be ready to go if Canada has a date with destiny.
“A hundred per cent we’ll be open. If they make it to that gold medal game and it’s on at seven, we’ll air it,” said Benson.
The Canadian men’s team kicks off their tournament on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 9:40 a.m., where they’ll battle Czechia, while the Canadian women will play their opener on Saturday against Switzerland after their game against Finland got postponed.
