According to the SLGA, 77 liquor permit holders were approved to open and serve early for the Olympics, and most of those applications came in after Canada’s men’s hockey team made it into the gold medal game. (Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM files)

Dozens of Sask. bars opened early for final Olympic hockey game

By Lisa Schick Feb 24, 2026 | 4:56 PM

Just like a number of restaurants and bars across Saskatchewan, Pumpjacks Cathedral Saloon and Steakhouse in Regina was full of people at 7 a.m. on Sunday.

The restaurant opened early to host fans for the Olympic gold medal men’s hockey game between Canada and the U.S.

“(The early start) didn’t faze many people whatsoever. They enjoyed themselves, and we tried to make sure they were kept very well fed and refreshed, and they had a good time,” explained Kevin Smith, Pumpjack’s bar manager.

He said there were more than a few heartbroken fans and staff by the end of it, but they took the loss in stride.

There were 77 applications from restaurants and bars that were approved to open and serve early, according to the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) — and most of the applications came in after the men’s hockey team made it into the gold medal game on Friday afternoon.

Smith said he was happy the province allowed the expanded hours for the Milano Cortina Olympics in Italy, saying the bar can’t control time changes or where the Olympics are.

“It’s a good chance to get everyone out and involved and just have a good time and hang out with friends and family,” he said.