- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Sault Ste. Marie bars host sunrise crowds for Olympic men's hockey final
Local fans traded sleep for national pride as Canada fell short against the U.S. in overtime
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Bars in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan opened early on Sunday morning to host watch parties for the Olympic men's hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States. Despite the early hour, local fans packed into establishments like The Tap Room, Outspoken Brewing, Shooter's Downtown Lounge, and Wacky Wings to cheer on Team Canada, even as they ultimately lost to the U.S. 2-1 in overtime.
Why it matters
The early morning watch parties highlight the passion and dedication of Canadian hockey fans, who were willing to forgo sleep to support their national team in a high-stakes Olympic final. The event also showcases how local businesses can capitalize on major sporting events to draw crowds and boost revenue, even at unconventional hours.
The details
Not every bar in Sault Ste. Marie accepted the province's offer to open at 6 a.m. for the game, but many others did, including The Tap Room, which hosted about 50 people. Patrons enjoyed a mix of beers, coffees, and even "beer mimosas" as they watched the action on the big screens. Bartenders like Jessica Myers at Outspoken Brewing had to multitask to serve customers while also catching glimpses of the game.
- The Olympic men's hockey gold medal game took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
- Earlier in the week, Premier Doug Ford announced that bars in the province would be allowed to open at 6 a.m. on Sunday for the game.
The players
Doug Ford
The Premier of Ontario who announced that bars would be allowed to open early for the Olympic hockey final.
Jeff DiCorpo
The co-owner of The Tap Room, one of the bars that hosted a large watch party.
Jessica Myers
A bartender at Outspoken Brewing, another bar that held a watch party.
Jaclyn McKenna
A local resident who brought her kids to Outspoken Brewing to watch the game and cheer on Team Canada.
What they’re saying
“In two days, to get the word out — thank God for social media. A lot of our regulars were passing it around, as well.”
— Jeff DiCorpo, Co-owner, The Tap Room (sootoday.com)
“The orange juice might have a little beer in it, as well. They might be beer mimosas.”
— Jeff DiCorpo, Co-owner, The Tap Room (sootoday.com)
“I'm definitely multitasking.”
— Jessica Myers, Bartender, Outspoken Brewing (sootoday.com)
“You have to be cheering for Canada right now and we're trying to instill the spirit into them and showing them what it's all about it.”
— Jaclyn McKenna (sootoday.com)
What’s next
The Olympic hockey tournament will continue with the women's gold medal game later in the week.
The takeaway
The early morning watch parties in Sault Ste. Marie demonstrate the enduring passion of Canadian hockey fans, who are willing to sacrifice sleep to support their national team in a major international competition. The event also highlights the ability of local businesses to capitalize on such events and draw crowds, even at unconventional hours.
