Ontario Allows Early Alcohol Sales for Canada-US Hockey Gold Medal Game

Bars and restaurants can start serving at 6 am for the highly anticipated matchup.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:23am

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario announced that bars and restaurants across the province will be allowed to start serving alcohol at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday, ahead of the gold medal men's hockey game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The move is intended to support local businesses and allow fans to come together and cheer on Team Canada.

Why it matters

The Canada-US hockey rivalry is one of the most intense in international sports, and this gold medal matchup is sure to draw massive viewership across both countries. Allowing early alcohol sales gives businesses a boost and creates a festive atmosphere for fans to enjoy the highly anticipated game.

The details

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) said the extended hours for liquor sales will only apply to indoor licensed areas, not outdoor spaces like patios. The Manitoba government is also allowing bars and restaurants in its province to open early on Sunday specifically to televise the Olympic hockey event.

  • The gold medal men's hockey game between Canada and the United States is scheduled for 8:10 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The AGCO announced the extended alcohol sales hours on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Doug Ford

The Premier of Ontario, who expressed his support for the early alcohol sales to allow fans to come together and cheer on Team Canada.

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

The regulatory body that announced the extended hours for liquor sales in Ontario for the hockey game.

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What they’re saying

“The entire country will be watching on Sunday morning as our men's hockey team plays for Olympic gold. Let's all come together, support local businesses and cheer on Team Canada!”

— Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

What’s next

The gold medal hockey game between Canada and the United States is the final event of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, bringing the games to a close.

The takeaway

This decision by the Ontario government highlights the cultural significance of hockey in Canada and the desire to create a celebratory atmosphere for fans to enjoy a highly anticipated matchup between the country's biggest hockey rival. It also demonstrates the willingness of local authorities to support businesses during major sporting events.