With the NHL playoffs officially underway, Canadian hockey fans have more reason than ever to rally behind their teams—and their wallets might be getting in on the action too.
This year’s postseason comes with renewed excitement. The Winnipeg Jets, who clinched the President’s Trophy, are viewed as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup. Toronto secured its division just last night, setting the stage for a possible “Battle of Ontario” against rival Ottawa—making its first playoff appearance since 2017.
Meanwhile, Edmonton’s playoff momentum remains strong after last year’s impressive run, and anticipation continues to build around Montreal potentially clinching a spot. If so, this would be the first time since 2017 that five Canadian teams have entered the playoffs.
Beyond the on-ice drama, Canadian businesses—particularly those near major arenas—stand to benefit significantly from the wave of fan engagement. According to Moneris, Canada’s leading payment processing provider, playoff hockey isn’t just a cultural moment; it’s also a proven economic catalyst.
Playoff Season Drives Major Spending Increases
“Canadian hockey teams making the playoffs doesn’t just lift spirits—it boosts sales,” said Sean McCormick, Director of Business Development – Data Services and LAKA Sales Leadership at Moneris. “During last year’s finals, even with the Oilers on the road, spending near the Edmonton arena jumped over 200 per cent. Similarly, Montreal’s 2021 playoff run saw spending near the Bell Centre nearly triple.”
That trend has continued over recent playoff seasons. For instance, game seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals saw a massive 214% spike in spending near Edmonton’s ICE District—even though the Oilers were playing out of town. Across Edmonton as a whole, spending rose 78%, with increases of 33% in Alberta and 16% nationwide.
The pattern holds true across the country. When the Canadiens won an overtime game during the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals, fans near Montreal’s Bell Centre surged into local bars and restaurants. Moneris data showed a 160% spike in spending near the arena at 11:30 p.m., along with a 245% increase across the city and a 137% jump in Quebec.
Home or Away, Fans Fuel Local Commerce
Whether teams are on home ice or winning on the road, the energy translates into tangible results for businesses. During the 2024 playoffs, every Oilers home game resulted in over a 50% increase in local spending near Rogers Place in the ICE District. Even away wins created momentum. In round two against Vancouver, Edmonton saw a 20% jump in spending near the arena and a 24% increase across the city for a road game.
Moneris tracked increases across multiple categories, including bars, restaurants, and fast-food establishments. The data shows that even when teams lose, game days still lift sales. For example, Toronto’s playoff performance in 2023 showed mixed on-ice results, but bars and restaurants saw double- and triple-digit spending spikes during key games.
The Power of Elimination Games
“When the pressure’s on, Canadians don’t just show up for the game—they show up in a big way for businesses,” said McCormick. “Elimination games consistently drive some of the highest spikes in spending.”
That was clearly evident in Toronto’s 2023 playoff run. In game four of the second round, with the Leafs facing elimination on the road, restaurant spending near the Scotiabank Arena surged 126%. Across the city, spending rose 113%.
Rivalries Amplify Economic Impact
Perhaps nothing energizes hockey fans—and local economies—like a heated playoff rivalry. Moneris’ data from the 2022 “Battle of Alberta” shows just how impactful this can be.
During game three in Edmonton, spending near Rogers Place skyrocketed by 233%. In Calgary, even though the Flames were on the road, transaction volume still rose 75% near the arena. “Nothing sparks fan excitement like a good rivalry,” said McCormick. “If the Battle of Ontario returns this year, local business should be ready for the surge.”
Local Businesses Poised to Win Big
The playoffs represent a significant opportunity for food and beverage operators, particularly those located in close proximity to arenas. When the Canadiens reached the finals in 2021, Moneris recorded explosive growth in bars and restaurants during key moments of the games, especially in the later hours. In one standout case, spending at 11:00 p.m. spiked 222% near the Bell Centre.
In Edmonton, game day comparisons from 2024 show consistent double- and triple-digit gains for bars and restaurants, both near the arena and across the city. Notably, games three and six of the Stanley Cup Finals generated the highest increases, with near-arena spend up 135% and 151%, respectively.
A Stanley Cup Would Mean More Than Just Bragging Rights
No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since 1993—a drought now more than 30 years long. But as excitement builds around multiple Canadian teams this year, the economic benefits could be felt nationwide.
“With Canadian patriotism on the rise and several teams in the playoffs, there’s a real buzz across the country,” said McCormick. “Over the years, Moneris’ data has shown that when Canadian teams hit the ice, local businesses feel the momentum too—especially those near the arena.”
With Moneris continuing to monitor spending trends throughout the playoffs, Canadian businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector, are well-positioned to score big.
Conclusion
From Toronto’s Maple Leaf Square to Edmonton’s ICE District, Canadian hockey fans are creating more than just memorable playoff moments. Their celebrations, whether fuelled by hope or heartbreak, are driving substantial economic activity. And if this year marks the end of Canada’s Stanley Cup drought, the ripple effects could go far beyond the rink.
Moneris says it will continue to release spending data throughout the 2024 playoffs, offering a unique window into how national pride and playoff hockey can fuel Canadian businesses.
