Officials in Saskatchewan have granted a blanket approval for almost all bars in the province, except for those in Prince Albert, to open early — and serve liquor — on Sunday morning to coincide with the Gold Medal hockey game at the Olympics.

The overarching approval was announced late Friday as officials contemplated how to handle numerous requests from bar owners for special hours.

According to the province, Prince Albert was specifically excluded from the permission because that city does not want its bars to open early. The province consulted administrators and police in Prince Albert on the matter.

The bars that have permission will be okay to open at 5:30 a.m. CST Sunday. The hockey game starts at 6.

Earlier on Friday, a spokeswoman for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, Stephanie Choma, told CBC News that many bars were keen to get special Sunday hours, as soon as it was clear Canada would be in the final.

"Businesses are happy, they're the ones asking for it," Choma said. "We're happy to be able to make this happen. I'm sure there are going to be a lot of fans, no matter how early Sunday morning."