EDMONTON – Hockey fans across parts of the Prairies will be able to sip a beer early Sunday morning if they choose to cheer on Canada in the Olympic gold medal men’s hockey game at a bar.

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission says it will allow all licensees to serve liquor as soon as the puck drops at 5 a.m. MST.

CEO Bill Robinson says the commission appreciates theenthusiasm of people who want to gather to watch the game.

In Saskatchewan, the liquor and gaming authority has given nine bars in Saskatoon and Regina permission to serve liquor as soon as the game against Sweden starts — 6 a.m. CST.

That’s 3 1/2 hours earlier than the time pubs are regularly allowed to serve alcohol.

The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission is also giving permission to bars that apply to start serving fans at 5 a.m. CST, one hour before game time.

“The Olympic games have, once again, captured Canadians’ imaginations,” Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for regulating liquor in Manitoba, said Friday in a release.

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

Officials say bar owners will be expected to serve their customers in a socially responsible way.

(The Canadian Press, CJME)