Coffee and Hockey: Western Canada's Early Morning Olympic Tradition
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics captivate sports enthusiasts worldwide, a unique cultural phenomenon is unfolding across Western Canada. Hockey fans, bleary-eyed but dedicated, are combining their love for the game with early morning coffee rituals to catch live Olympic action from Italy. This blend of caffeine and competition has become a defining feature of the Olympic experience for many Canadians, particularly in provinces where game times fall during pre-dawn hours.
The Early Morning Ritual
With Olympic hockey games scheduled to accommodate European time zones, many matches air during early morning hours in Western Canada. This has led to a surge in coffee consumption as fans wake up before sunrise to watch Team Canada compete. Local coffee shops report increased early morning business during the Olympics, with some even offering special "Olympic hours" to accommodate the influx of hockey enthusiasts seeking their caffeine fix before puck drop.
The tradition extends beyond mere viewership. Many communities have organized watch parties at community centers, sports bars, and even workplaces, where coffee flows as freely as hockey commentary. This shared experience has created a sense of camaraderie among fans who might otherwise be isolated during these unusual viewing hours.
Policy Adjustments for Key Games
In response to fan enthusiasm, some provincial governments have made temporary adjustments to accommodate Olympic viewing. Most notably, Ontario approved 6 a.m. alcohol sales specifically for the Team Canada gold medal game, recognizing that some fans prefer celebratory drinks with their morning hockey. While this decision generated some controversy, supporters argue it reflects the cultural significance of Olympic hockey in Canada and allows fans to properly celebrate national achievements.
Other Western provinces have considered similar measures for key Olympic events, though none have implemented permanent changes to alcohol sales hours. The discussion highlights how major sporting events can influence local policies and business practices, even temporarily.
The Olympic Hockey Landscape
The 2026 Olympic hockey tournament has provided plenty of excitement for Canadian fans. In a thrilling semifinal match, Canada defeated Finland 3-2 to advance to the gold medal game. The game featured standout performances from players like Macklin Celebrini, whose efforts against Finnish defenceman Niko Mikkola helped secure the victory.
This Olympic success comes amid broader hockey achievements for Canada at the Games. Connor McDavid set a points record at a single Olympics featuring NHL players, while Nathan MacKinnon's performance helped lift Canada into the gold-medal game. These individual and team accomplishments have given fans plenty to celebrate during their early morning viewing sessions.
Beyond the Rink
The coffee-hockey combination represents more than just a viewing habit—it reflects Canada's deep cultural connection to winter sports. For many Western Canadians, watching Olympic hockey with a warm beverage has become as much a part of winter as snow itself. This tradition bridges generations, with grandparents, parents, and children sharing early mornings together to cheer on their national team.
As the Olympics continue, this unique blend of caffeine and competition shows no signs of slowing down. Whether gathered around television screens in living rooms or crowding into local establishments, Western Canadian hockey fans continue to demonstrate their dedication through bleary eyes and steaming mugs—proving that for true fans, no hour is too early when Olympic gold is on the line.
