Hockey has strong ties to Canada’s history, culture, and, of course, climate, making it a defining part of the nation. The modern version of ice hockey was formalized in the country in the late 1800s, and the long, cold winters created the perfect environment for people to play. Soon after, organized games were played, and the Stanley Cup became something to strive for. Radio and TV broadcasts brought it to homes across the country, turning the sport into a shared experience.
Any time a hockey game is on, you’ll find a group of Canadians gathered around a screen—whether a dedicated 4K TV or an iPhone—engrossed in the action. While there are differences in the way people like to watch the sport, hockey is much like a religion wherever you are in the Great White North, just as soccer is in the UK and the NFL is in the US. Every space in the country has its own traditions and rhythm, but the camaraderie and shared moments are what tie fans together.
Watching at Home
For plenty of Canadians, watching hockey in the comfort of their own home can’t be beaten. Perhaps they enjoy cozying up after work in the evenings with takeout while wearing their pajamas or prefer hosting little gatherings in their living room. Regardless, the TV becomes the centrepiece of the evening, bringing everyone together to trash-talk, cheer, groan, and celebrate every save, goal, and pass.
Streaming services like TSN+ and SportsNet, as well as cable packages, have made it easy to watch hockey games in high definition. Some households even take home viewing to the next level by investing in surround sound systems, fancy chairs and couches, and team-specific decorations for a more immersive environment.
Big City Sports Bars and Parties
Major cities are where you’ll see hockey take on a life of its own. Hubs like Toronto, Edmonton, and Montreal are filled with restaurants, pubs, sports bars, and viewing rooms where fans watch games together. When they’re not at the rink itself, fans thrive in the shared energy and soak up the excitement at these venues to replicate the atmosphere.
You’ll find arenas showing away games on the Jumbotron, neighbourhood pubs streaming coverage on multiple TVs, sports bars serving up delicious food and ice-cold beers, and establishments that have games and activities during intermissions. Toronto is famous for its Maple Leafs Tailgates in Maple Leaf Square, located right outside Scotiabank Arena, where fans can watch the game collectively on the big screen. In Calgary and Vancouver, too, street parties outside the arena are also common, with fans gathering before playoffs and big matches to indulge in the festival-like atmosphere.
Small Town Gatherings
Although small towns aren’t home to massive arenas or crowded street parties, hockey nights are equally important, just often more intimate. Local community rinks, halls, and even people’s living rooms become go-to places to watch the game. While that’s not to say you won’t find these environments in the big city, it’s much more common to find spots with a deeper sense of closeness in smaller towns.
Families and friends might host potluck-style parties where everyone brings a dish of their choice, and any viewing session could turn into a town-wide event. These traditions might be quieter than those in big cities, but the camaraderie and intimacy are often stronger because of it.
On the Casino Big Screen
Aside from the big city vs. small town atmosphere, there’s also the buzzing casino where you can watch hockey. With the scene already set, patrons can catch all the action on big screens while enjoying drinks and snacks, place a wager on a player, or even play the real money slots Canada is known for among hockey fans. Casinos have always been highly popular for gaming, but many also view them as an all-in-one destination for dining, watching sports, and socializing with like-minded people.
Casinos can be found near major cities and in more remote, out-of-the-way areas, so fans everywhere have a place to catch the game.
University Campuses and Student Hangouts
Even during final exams, hockey doesn’t take a break for students, and campuses all across Canada have ways of keeping the game alive. Campus bars, student unions, and dorm lounges turn into game night hosts, with TVs on full blast and snacks at the ready. Especially during playoffs or rivalry games, students can often find much larger-scale celebrations with team decorations, friendly fantasy competitions, and livelier crowds.
The vibe here is distinct from big city pubs and small-town gatherings, with a youthful, informal energy that defines university life in Canada. While the focus here is primarily on the game, socializing and making memories are closely connected, with friends joking and laughing together and creating a spirited atmosphere.
Regional Differences, Shared Spirit
Regionally, there are subtle differences in how Canadians experience hockey that reflect the character of their community. Viewing in Vancouver is often more laid-back compared to the intensity of busy Toronto, and smaller Maritime towns on the East Coast like to host community-focused watch parties rather than flood the streets. But one thing’s for sure: the shared spirit of supporting the team they love transcends cities and provinces, because with just 7 of the NHL’s 32 hockey teams located in Canada, we’re all rooting for our homegrown teams at the end of the day.
