On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, Moncton’s Avenir Centre became the hub of the 26th annual Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, broadcasting seven live NHL games, featuring the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Senators, Jets, Flames, Oilers and Canucks, while downtown turned into a fan‑filled carnival that generated an estimated $2‑3 million economic lift for the city.
Live NHL Marathon Across Canada
From a 7 a.m. tip‑off to a midnight showdown, Sportsnet aired a nonstop slate of games, weaving together the schedules of all seven Canada‑based NHL clubs. The broadcast interlaced on‑ice action with local stories, grassroots‑coach interviews, and a tribute to Atlantic Canada’s pond‑skating heritage.
Downtown Moncton Becomes a Hockey Carnival
Street closures along Main Street and Westmorland Street made room for fan zones, pop‑up rinks, and interactive exhibits sponsored by Scotiabank and Hockey Canada. Highlights included:
- Kids trying on goalie pads and shooting pucks
- New Brunswick Junior Hockey League alumni running skills challenges
- Unveiling of the permanent “Hockey Day” mural on the waterfront
26‑Year Tradition of Community Building
Launched in 1996, Hockey Day in Canada celebrates the sport’s cultural roots and its power to unite communities from small‑town Saskatchewan to bustling Quebec streets. The Moncton stop marks the longest uninterrupted run—26 consecutive years of Scotiabank partnership and national TV coverage.
Economic and Cultural Ripple Effects
Local officials project a $2‑3 million boost to hotels, restaurants and retailers over the weekend. The temporary street closures transformed ordinary thoroughfares into vibrant public spaces, an urban‑design trend gaining traction across Canada.
NHL Viewership and Production Insights
Coordinating seven simultaneous games required complex feed swaps, on‑site commentary pods and localized graphics. The effort paid off: minute‑by‑minute ratings on Sportsnet rose 12 percent compared with a typical Saturday, confirming the national showcase’s appeal to advertisers and fans alike.
Future Outlook
Mayor Brian Murphy announced plans for permanent hockey‑themed public art along Main Street, ensuring the spirit of Jan. 17 endures. With the next Hockey Day slated for a coastal town in Nova Scotia, the 2026 Moncton edition reinforced the event’s role as both a marquee NHL showcase and a catalyst for lasting community cohesion.
