If you've ever spent the first period of a game hunting for which channel has it, you know the problem. Here's how NHL broadcasting in Canada fits together and what your options are once the cable box is gone.
How the Broadcast Puzzle Works
- National games: marquee nights shown across the country on a national broadcaster.
- Regional games: the bulk of each team's season, shown only in its home region.
- French-language rights: held separately, with their own schedule.
- Streaming packages: often for out-of-market games, with blackouts in your home region.
The result: a fan in Toronto, Montréal or Vancouver may need two or three services to see every game of their own team.
Your Options Without Cable
| Option | Strengths | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcaster streaming apps | Official, good quality | Several subscriptions to cover one team |
| Out-of-market packages | Great for fans of distant teams | Blackouts for local teams |
| IPTV | Every team in one guide, French feeds, catch-up | Quality depends heavily on the provider |
Setting Up for Hockey Season
- Test before opening night. Use a free trial during a preseason or early-season evening game.
- Favourite your team's channels, English and French, so they're one click away.
- Wire the main TV. Hockey is fast, and fast motion needs a steady connection.
- Learn catch-up. Late start? Rewind to puck drop.
For Fans of a Specific Team
Leafs fans have a dedicated guide. For local details, including internet providers and regional teams, see our city pages for Montréal, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa and Winnipeg.
Test It Before Puck Drop
Watch tonight's game free for 24 hours. No card required.
Start the Free TrialNHL Streaming Questions
Canadian NHL rights are divided between national broadcasts and regional broadcasts, and French rights are separate again. One team's season can be spread across several channels and services.
Out-of-market packages often block games in the team's home region to protect the local broadcaster. That's why fans in a team's own city sometimes can't watch it on those packages.
Where a French broadcast exists, yes. IPTV Canada 4K carries French feeds alongside English ones.