Follow the Puck! Experience Hockey in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest

With the start of hockey season coming up, this is a great time to check out one of the many hockey teams in Western Canada, whether you're travelling specifically to cheer on your favourite NHL team or simply looking for a fun local activity when visiting a new city.

Many Coast Hotels Destinations are home to NHL, WHL, BCHL, or AJHL teams. So if you've been looking for a sign to visit your favourite Canadian city (or discover a new one!), here it is!

National Hockey League (NHL)

Whether your favourite hockey team is US or Canada-based, or you're hoping to watch your hometown team go head-to-head with one of the Canadian squads, there are several cities in Western Canada and the US to catch a game that are home to Coast Hotels locations. If you're travelling to watch your hockey team, it makes the trip even more enjoyable if you can stay nearby. There's nothing quite like the vibe of a city following one of its hometown hockey games, win or lose!

Edmonton Oilers 

The longtime Canadian team of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and now current legend Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers understandably have an enormous, spirited fan base. Connor McDavid got his start playing junior ice hockey at age 15 before moving to the Erie Otters of the OHL where he stayed until 2015. McDavid started his career with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2015-16 season where he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The following year McDavid, at age 19, was appointed as the youngest captain in NHL history while also becoming the youngest player to win the Art Ross Trophy for leading scorer in the NHL. McDavid is considered one of the best players in the NHL, and one of only two players–after fellow Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky–to unanimously win the Hart Memorial Trophy.

Enjoy a stay at the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA, which is only a six-minute walk from Rogers Place, where the Oilers play, in the heart of the famed ICE District. The ICE District is a 25-acre mixed-use development project ranked as the largest of its kind in Canada and second-largest in North America after Hudson Yards in New York. 

Calgary Flames 

Located three hours south of Edmonton in Calgary, the Calgary Flames have their own serious fans. In fact, Calgary as a whole is notorious for being a major sports city, loyally supporting its home teams.

If you're planning to attend a Flames hockey game, be sure to deck yourself out in the colour red! A fun play on words, the crowd at the Scotiabank Saddledome is affectionately referred to as the "C of Red," which is a play on words of the "Sea of Red.”

Fun fact: the "saddle" in Saddledome is no coincidence. If you look at the shape of the stadium, it is indeed shaped like a horse's saddle. This is a nod to the city's proud Western heritage, where the culture has long been deeply rooted in agriculture, horses, cattle, and rodeo.

If you're headed to Calgary, consider staying at the Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites. The all-suite downtown hotel location near Scotiabank Saddledome is unbeatable and perfect for long-term stays, putting you in the heart of all the action. 

Vancouver Canucks 

Vancouver has always been a major sports destination, coming alive any time a home team is in town. Even if you're not the most active hockey fan, there's nothing quite like attending a home game for the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The entire city seems to vibrate with energy, and celebration can be found all around even if you’re watching from home or a local pub.

To best enjoy a hockey-themed visit to Vancouver, stay downtown at the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA, located only 8 minutes from Rogers arena.

Seattle Kraken 

Since 1975 when the Seattle Totems of the WHL played their last game,  Seattle hasn't had its own professional NHL team. Then in 2018 the NHL approved a proposal to grant an expansion franchise to Seattle and on April 30, 2021 the Seattle Kraken officially became the 32nd team of the NHL. Seattle is a fantastic sports city, fiercely rooting for the Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, and at one time, the SuperSonics. Now that the Emerald City officially has the Kraken in town, it's the perfect reason to plan a trip to the Pacific Northwest.

There's so much to see beyond the team, including endless natural beauty, festivals in every season, and a vibrant foodie scene that caters to everyone from seafood lovers to coffee addicts and craft beer enthusiasts. Hotel 116, a Coast Hotel Bellevue, directly across Lake Washington from Seattle, and the Coast Gateway Hotel near the Sea-Tac airport both make excellent jumping-off points for your Seattle exploration.

Western Hockey League (WHL)

The Western Hockey League is one of three major junior hockey leagues. It's considered one of the top player development leagues in the world, meaning WHL players have an excellent chance of going onto play in the NHL later on. There are several WHL teams throughout Western Canada and located in the same cities as some of our Coast Hotels.

Alberta

• Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Edmonton Oil Kings
• Calgary Hitmen

British Columbia

• Kamloops Blazers
• Kelowna Rockets
• Prince George Cougars
• Vancouver Giants
• Victoria Royals

Junior A Hockey Clubs

Similar to how the Western Hockey League develops players to play professionally in the NHL, Junior Hockey does the same for younger players to one day play in the WHL. Watching these young, ambitious players is a serious treat. Find AJHL and BCHL teams throughout in cities including:

Alberta

• Canmore Eagles
• Calgary Canucks

British Columbia

• Chilliwack Chiefs
• Langley Rivermen
• Nanaimo Clippers
• Prince George Spruce Kings
• Victoria Grizzlies
• West Kelowna Warriors

Washington

• Wenatchee Wild

Where to Stay When Travelling For Hockey In Canada

Planning to catch a game or two while your favourite team is on the road? The puck drops in many destinations where Coast Hotels has several properties conveniently located, making it easy to find a great place to stay during the season! Whoever you're rooting for, we wish your team good luck and safe travels to you!