New York Lifts Early Alcohol Service Restrictions for USA-Canada Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Game

Bars and restaurants in non-emergency counties can open early to allow fans to watch the game together.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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New York State has temporarily lifted its alcohol service restrictions, allowing bars and restaurants in non-emergency counties to open early from 6-10 AM ET on the morning of the USA-Canada men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Governor Kathy Hochul directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend enforcement of the early-morning service hours so fans can watch the highly anticipated matchup between the rival teams together. However, the early opening does not apply to venues in areas that have been declared under a state of emergency due to a blizzard impacting New York City, Long Island, and surrounding regions.

Why it matters

The USA-Canada gold medal game in men's ice hockey is one of the most anticipated events of the Winter Olympics, with the two hockey powerhouses facing off for the first time since the 2010 Vancouver Games. Allowing bars and restaurants to open early gives fans in New York the opportunity to gather and watch the game together, creating a festive atmosphere around the high-stakes matchup.

The details

The United States and Canada will compete for the men's ice hockey gold medal on Sunday at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena to conclude the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. ET. Both teams enter the final with perfect 5-0 records and are stacked with NHL stars. The U.S. is seeking to end a 46-year gold medal drought, while Canada wants to continue its streak of winning 'best-on-best' international tournaments.

  • The USA-Canada men's ice hockey gold medal game is scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET.
  • New York State's temporary suspension of early-morning alcohol service restrictions will be in effect from 6-10 AM ET on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend enforcement of early-morning alcohol service restrictions for the USA-Canada Olympic hockey gold medal game.

Connor McDavid

A forward on the Canadian men's ice hockey team competing in the gold medal game.

Auston Matthews

A forward on the United States men's ice hockey team competing in the gold medal game.

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What they’re saying

“Tomorrow, it's a gold medal morning. I've directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend enforcement of alcohol service hours from 6–10 AM so bars and restaurants can open early and fans can watch the U.S. go for the gold together. New Yorkers in emergency areas should stay home, stay safe, and cheer loud! Go USA!”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (athlonsports.com)

What’s next

The USA and Canada will face off in the men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET.

The takeaway

New York's decision to temporarily lift early-morning alcohol service restrictions for the highly anticipated USA-Canada Olympic hockey gold medal game allows fans in the state to gather at bars and restaurants and watch the historic rivalry matchup together, creating a celebratory atmosphere around the high-stakes event.