I’m saving to go to Canada for next hockey season (so September to April). The aim is to watch as many games as I can and also see Canada. I reckon I’m gonna do Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal over 10 to 12 days.
What’s the best time to visit? I’m cautious about games being cancelled due to rubbish weather
I see everyone offering NHL advice here, but there are also leagues below the NHL, and you can often see some pretty good hockey for not much money. Where I live (not in Canada), we had an AHL team, which is 1 level below the NHL. The hockey was fun to watch, and good tickets could be had for less than $100/person.
Mate I didn’t know that! I could see more hockey that way which is glorious
if you haven’t seen the show Shorsey yet, it’s a funny send-up of the kind of hockey I’m talking about.
Funnily enough I heard about it a few weeks ago and smashed the first 2 seasons! I was mildly hysterical a few times it’s fucking excellent
The precursor to is was called Letterkenny. Not as much about hockey, but similarly weirdly funny. Made by the same guy (who plays Shorsey). Shorsey also makes an appearance.
I just started watching it this week! First season was ok but the 2nd it’s really come into it’s own
If you’re doing some long term planning and want max hockey, this is probably something you want to look into for 2027/28. Will be expensive but can probably do some multi game deals: https://www.nhl.com/news/world-cup-of-hockey-2028-to-be-played-in-calgary-edmonton-prague
Other than that I strongly recommend looking into some WHL and OHL seasons - all young players trying to get into the NHL, so on average the hockey is grittier and more interesting. NHL players have already made it so, though it always draws a crowd, you get more “phone it in” type games in the regular season. Playoffs are another monster entirely in both levels.
I haven’t read the other comments yet, but the budding PWHL has the skill of the NHL with the scrappiness of professional women’s sport. Phenomenal hockey.
Happy travels!
Ooooh good tip on the world Cup! Think it’s hard to get tickets though