Nap now, hockey later: Fans react to late Flames starts after switch to Alberta time
Posted Nov 5, 2026 11:39 am.
Calgary Flames fans are adjusting their schedules with several games now set for later starts due to the province’s switch to permanent daylight time.
The later start times have drawn mixed reactions from fans with some concerned about staying awake for games that won’t end until nearly midnight.
Wednesday night’s loss to the Seattle Kraken was the first game since the time switch that saw the puck drop after 9 p.m.
“Well, for me, I’m going to have to take a nap before the game because I’m not sure I’m going to be able to stay awake until midnight when the game ends,” one Flames fan told CityNews.
He added that the late starts could be particularly challenging for younger fans, both those watching from home and those attending the two remaining 9 p.m. home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
“They might be able to watch the first period and then moms and dads are going to kick them off to bed, you’d think,” he said.
The issue even appeared to unite hockey rivals, with one Edmonton Oilers fan saying the late puck drops are impractical for families.
“Outrageous. Too late. You’ve got things to do,” he said. “I’d probably watch a little of it and then go to bed.”
Others were less concerned by the schedule change.
“Doesn’t matter,” said another Flames fan when asked whether the later start times bothered them.
Meanwhile, local businesses are not expecting a significant impact. Geoff Allan, owner of Bottlescrew Bill’s, said he does not plan to let his own children stay up for the games, but expects customer traffic to remain largely unchanged.
“I think it’ll be pretty similar,” Allan said. “I think the weekends will be a lot better.”
“I don’t know who’s going out when the games are over at 11:30 on the weekdays, but you’re welcome to come here. The kitchen’s open until 1:30, so it’s no difference to us.”
The Flames have five remaining road games scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., along with two home games featuring the later start time. The first at home is scheduled for Boxing Day against the Vancouver Canucks
