There’s nothing like a nail-biting hockey game to draw Barrie residents out early on a Sunday morning.
Fans packed local bars and restaurants Feb. 22 to cheer on Team Canada in the gold-medal men’s hockey game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, turning sports pubs across the city into a sea of red and white.
Several establishments opened early to accommodate fans eager to watch Canada take on the United States in the final. By puck drop, many were at capacity.
At Malone’s Pint House on Bradford Street, general manager Joan McKinnon said the demand rivalled that of major playoff games.
“It’s incredible. People wanted to be together to watch this game,” she said.
“We were sold out — we had every table booked a day before the game and we had to turn people away. We had people lined up on the street waiting to get in to get their seats. Everyone just wanted to enjoy the game and watch it all together.”
Inside, the atmosphere was palpable, with fans erupting at every scoring chance and groaning at near misses.
Brendan McCarthy, a Barrie resident originally from Toronto, said the energy reminded him of football Sundays.
“Electric – just like coming in for a football game. Everyone’s cheering,” he said.
“I’m originally from Toronto so I never expected to have a place like this to bring out so many people. It’s amazing.”
McCarthy, who regularly visits Malone’s to watch Buffalo Bills games with fellow fans, said cheering for Canada on the Olympic stage created a strong sense of unity.
Across the city at Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill on Mapleview Drive, dozens of fans gathered with their eyes fixed on big-screen TVs.
Sean Nichols attended with his pregnant wife and a group of friends, continuing a tradition he hopes to pass down to his son.
“It’s nothing but pure Canadian patriotism and the love for hockey,” he said.
“This is one of those times everybody can put everything aside to come together and just cheer on for a sport we all love.”
Nichols said he has made it a tradition to watch Team Canada compete in past Winter Olympic hockey games at Jack Astor’s with family and friends — a ritual he plans to continue in the years ahead.
The 2026 Winter Olympics ran from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22 in Italy. Sunday’s gold-medal game ended in heartbreak for Canadian fans, as the United States edged Canada 2-1 in overtime.
Canada finished the Games with 21 medals overall — five gold, seven silver and nine bronze — capping a strong showing on the international stage.
