Playoff hockey is having a positive result on local business

Apr 14, 2026 | 5:09 PM


PRINCE GEORGE – OM pizza bar and café located directly across from the CN Centre and right now it’s quiet with space to spare but Tuesday night there won’t be a seat to had. With the Prince George Cougars bringing a 2-0 series lead to the CN Centre Tuesday evening the popular establishment expects to be busy before and after the game. But this raises a question is there a visible increase in traffic during a playoff run.

“The first few home games are awesome. Every time they win we get people coming back and everyone’s in a party mood. When there’s a Saturday night game, we’re almost running out of every beer we have. So with the playoff games, I find people come a lot earlier and we almost get like a second full round of of tables coming in just because people want to get in their seats as soon as they can.” said OM manager Amit Bindra.

Downtown business could also be benefitting as the Prince George Spruce Kings will be hosting the Langley Rivermen in game 7 of their first round playoff series. With Kopar Memorial Arena located within walking distance of many downtown establishments they could see a spike in sales before and after the games especially if the Spruce Kings playoff run continues.

“Tonight with a game seven it’s always going to be really positive. You know we have between the Cougars and the Spruce Kings probably about 7000 hockey fans heading out tonight to enjoy the city. Even just a fraction of those people going out to restaurants makes a big difference to business like ours.” said downtown business owner Eoin Foley.

Foley adds that playoff hockey is a special occasion that brings fans out to celebrate together much more then the regular season and this in turn benefits the city in multiple ways.

“We’re going to see more people going out so there’s always a little bit of a bump. Sometimes the staff that are not following along are surprised. It’s always wonderful to see families and sports fans of all ages, come out enjoy our city and enjoy our local businesses. It’s awesome.” said Foley.

The Spruce Kings must win Tuesday night to keep their playoff run alive while the cougars hit the ice for Game 4 Wednesday night.