Ontario Bars to Serve Early Alcohol for Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Game

One Canadian province has embraced the spirited sentiment of "it’s 5 o’clock somewhere" as it prepares for the men’s hockey gold medal showdown against Team USA. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that bars and restaurants will be permitted to serve alcohol starting at 6 a.m. ET, just ahead of the much-anticipated match, scheduled to start at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Premier’s Announcement

In a post on social media platform X, Ford said,

“The entire country will be watching on Sunday morning as our men’s hockey team plays for Olympic gold. 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. ET.”

Ford encouraged Ontarians to come together and cheer on their team, stating,

“Let’s all come together, support local businesses, and cheer on Team Canada!”

Local Support for Early Alcohol Sales

This initiative follows a motion supported by several municipalities, including support from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, aimed at allowing local cafes and restaurants to serve alcohol during the 2026 Winter Olympics. It’s not unprecedented; Ontario had previously lifted restrictions for early alcohol sales during events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.

Team Canada’s Thrilling Journey

Ford’s announcement comes on the heels of Team Canada’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Finland, which secured their spot in the championship match. Witnessing the team’s resilience, star player Connor McDavid reflected on the significance of their power play strategy.

“It was built through a lot, a lot of conversations over the course of a year, starting back at 4 Nations… We found a way to score a big one in a big moment,” McDavid stated.

Key Highlights from the Match:

• Goal: Nathan MacKinnon scored with just 35 seconds left in regulation.
• Victory Margin: Canada secured their place in the final with a 3-2 win over Finland.

Conclusion

As Ontario prepares to support its team, the early alcohol sales reflect the province’s commitment to celebrating local culture while boosting the hospitality sector. Ontarians can look forward to a spirited morning filled with hockey and camaraderie.

For more updates, check out details on the 2026 Winter Olympics and the latest from Team Canada on TSN.

For further information on local alcohol service regulations, refer to the Ontario Government’s official page.