Manitoba bars open at 5 a.m. for Canada gold hockey game

Bars in Manitoba can pour the suds early — before the sun even rises — for Sunday's Olympic gold medal hockey game.

The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission said bars, dining rooms, cabarets, private clubs and cocktail lounges in Manitoba have permission to open at 5 a.m. CT for the gold medal game against Sweden.

Canada dropped the United States 1-0 in the semi-final game on Friday.

“The Olympic games have, once again, captured Canadians’ imaginations,” said Dave Chomiak, the Manitoba minister responsible for regulating liquor and gaming.

“[The gold medal game] will be an exciting event for hockey fans and we want to give them an opportunity to gather to watch it and cheer on the nation’s team.”

Puck drops for Sunday's championship at 6 a.m. CT.