Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a special exemption allowing bars, restaurants, and legion halls across the province to serve alcohol beginning at 6 a.m. this Sunday. This unprecedented move is in celebration of the Olympic gold medal hockey game between Team Canada and Team USA, scheduled for 8:10 a.m. in Milan, Italy. The highly anticipated match is projected to become the most-watched hockey game in recorded history, pitting two undefeated national teams against each other in what many are calling a modern-day ice war.
A Nationwide Breakfast of Champions
"The entire country will be watching on Sunday morning as our men's hockey team plays for Olympic gold," Premier Ford stated in a social media post. "To help us all celebrate Team Canada, the province will be allowing bars and restaurants across the province to sell alcohol starting at 6:00 a.m." This decision echoes a similar measure taken during the 2014 Olympic gold medal game in Russia, when then-mayor Rob Ford and then-city councillor Doug Ford authorized early morning pub openings. That event turned into a victorious celebration for Canadian hockey fans.
Local Establishments Prepare for Historic Crowds
Across Ontario, pub owners are preparing for what they expect to be record-breaking crowds. Michelle Zanussi, owner of Scruffy Murphy's on The East Mall in Etobicoke, expressed her excitement: "We are all excited and rooting for Canada. Go Canada!" Meanwhile, Tim Brem of Timothy's Pub on Brown's Line has decorated his establishment with Canadian flags and red-and-white Christmas lights, creating a festive atmosphere for what he describes as a unifying national event. "Our phone has been ringing off the hook. This is what unites us," Brem remarked. "The sense of Canadian Pride we've felt during these Olympic Games is unmeasurable."
Rick Hugglestone, owner of Mulligans on Dundas West in Mississauga, is also anticipating a packed house. For many of these establishments, which endured significant challenges during the pandemic, Sunday's event represents both a celebration of national pride and a welcome economic opportunity. The Royal Canadian Legion has encouraged community participation, posting on social media: "There's no better place to catch the action than at your local Legion. Bring your friends, wear your red and white, and cheer on Team Canada together with your community."
Scotiabank Arena Hosts Massive Viewing Party
In addition to local pubs, thousands of hockey fans are expected to gather at Scotiabank Arena for a special viewing event. Terri Mattucci, Vice President of Fan Engagement for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, announced: "We are excited to offer a special opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands of hockey fans to celebrate a significant moment in our country's sports history." Interestingly, while fans at the arena won't be cheering for Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who plays for Team USA, they will support former Leafs star Mitch Marner on the Canadian side.
Historical Context and Rising Tensions
This gold medal game carries substantial historical weight. Team USA has not secured Olympic hockey gold since their famous 1980 "Miracle on Ice" victory, while Canada last won with NHL players in 2014. For many younger Canadians, this game evokes memories of Sidney Crosby's iconic overtime goal against the United States in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The rivalry has intensified recently, with last winter's Four Nations Cup featuring multiple physical clashes between the teams, including notable fights between Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hage.
The geopolitical backdrop adds another layer to the competition, reflecting what some commentators describe as a "cold war" between President Donald Trump's administration, which has occasionally suggested treating Canada as a "51st state," and Prime Minister Mark Carney's advocacy for a "New World Order." Social media has amplified the tensions, with some American posts containing provocative language directed at Canadian fans. However, as hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has noted, the rivalry ultimately resembles a sibling competition where respect endures regardless of the outcome.
American Response and International Attention
While there appears to be less organized public viewing events on the American side, the New York Post has covered Ontario's early alcohol sales exemption, indicating significant international interest. Premier Ford's policy includes a ban on American beer, wine, and spirits during the event, ensuring that all beverages consumed will be Canadian products. As the game approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in hockey history, with communities across Canada coming together to support their national team in a contest that will be remembered for generations.
