In Canada, hockey isn't just a sport—it's a full-blown obsession.
From backyard rinks to packed arenas, the NHL playoffs are a cultural event like no other. Jerseys come out of closets. Schedules are cleared. Even the most casual fans suddenly have very strong opinions about line combinations and penalty calls. When the playoffs roll around, it's full-on hockey fever!
This year, five Canadian teams are lacing up for the playoffs—the most since 2017—and that means five times the buzz, five times the beer, and potentially five times the spending. Let’s dig into the numbers.
The Power of the Home Crowd
Moneris data reveals triple-digit spending surges near arenas, with fans supporting both their teams and local businesses:
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In 2023, when the Toronto Maple Leafs made it to round two and were facing elimination in game four, volume near Scotiabank Arena more than doubled (+126%). Across the city, it was a 113% spike.
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In Edmonton’s ICE District during the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, spending more than tripled (+214%) during the Edmonton Oilers’ game seven showdown.
Canada Cheers as One
When there’s only one Canadian team left standing, fans across the country come together—and that support shows up in spending.
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Oilers in the 2024 Finals: Even with the loss, Alberta saw a 33% boost, and Canada-wide spending was up 16% during game seven.
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Montreal Canadiens in the 2021 Finals: Before game four, spending near Bell Centre went up 183%. After their overtime win, fans kept celebrating—volume was up 160% near the arena, 245% across Montreal and 137% across Quebec.
Elimination Games = Economic Explosion
Whether it’s a win or a loss, fans come out in droves.
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For Toronto—despite playing away, their elimination game drew major crowds and major spending.
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Montreal’s epic OT win in 2021: The later it got, the more fans stuck around to keep the celebration going (and the tabs open).
Rivalries that Raise the Roof
Moneris’ look at the Battle of Alberta in 2022 shows what this year's Battle of Ontario could mean for businesses in Toronto and Ottawa:
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During Game 3 in Edmonton, spending near the arena jumped 233%.
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Even in Calgary, where the game wasn’t happening, spending rose 75%.
What Makes Spending Go Up?
Here’s what Moneris data shows businesses should watch for:
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Home Games: The ICE District in Edmonton saw an 80%+ increase in spending for every home game during the 2024 Finals.
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Road Wins: A win away still fuels celebration at home. After a road win for the Leafs in 2023, spending rose 126% downtown and 113% city-wide.
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High-Stakes Moments: Whether it’s a cup final or an elimination game, fans head out in full force. Montreal’s 2021 overtime win saw volume spike by over 200% in some areas.
Final Thoughts
From round one to game seven of the finals, the NHL playoffs are a financial power play for local businesses. Whether fans are cheering from Maple Leaf Square, the Bell Centre, or your local sports bar, their passion is fueling more than just team spirit—they’re helping restaurants, pubs and shops score big.
Ready to unlock the power of data for your business? Check out Moneris Data Services to learn more about consumer spending behaviour and maximize your success.
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