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Oilers games could start later next season with no Daylight Savings Time change
Apr 24, 2026, 18:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 24, 2026, 16:54 EDT
Edmonton Oilers fans could be staying up a little later next season to watch some hockey games.
The Alberta government is tabling a bill that would stop changing clocks twice a year and remain on permanent daylight saving time year-round. No setting clocks back an hour in November, or spring ahead in March. Sunrise begins later in the morning, but more daylight later in the day.
That means certain Oilers games on the Pacific coast could start later at 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. in the new ‘Alberta time’ for fans.
“We’re now done talking about it, and we’re taking action,” said minister of Service Alberta, Dale Nally.
They’re aiming to call in Alberta Time.
With these changes set to be implemented in short order, this would have the greatest effect for Oilers fans watching their team on a California road trip against the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Anaheim Ducks. The same would go for trips against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Oilers road games against the Colorado Avalanche and Utah Mammoth would begin later, at 8:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Time is a big topic in Canada right now, with other provinces already stopping the time change or discussing it.
In early March, British Columbia officially ended the twice-a-year clock switch. In November, clocks will stay put, meaning Oilers games against the Vancouver Canucks will happen at times fans are already accustomed to. The same would impact the Calgary Flames.
Manitoba premier Wab Kinew said they’re considering a change as well, which would similarly affect the Winnipeg Jets. Saskatchewan stays put on Central Standard Time year-round.
Premier Danielle Smith says if Albertans don’t like it, they could vote to switch back in 2027. In 2020, a referendum vote on Daylight Saving Time narrowly survived being scrapped.
“People don’t really know what it’s going to be until they live it,” said Smith on Wednesday.
Now game time changes are only in theory at this point. One can’t be sure how the National Hockey League would adjust scheduling these games moving forward. Do they schedule Oilers road trips in California in October and later in March and April?
These changes for Alberta would take place in the fall.
Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of PreGaming and Oilersnation After Dark. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4.
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