Hockey returns to the Saddledome this week, offering Calgary fans two chances to trade late-summer sunshine for cold ice and noise.
The Calgary Hitmen get there first, opening their 2026-27 Western Hockey League season Friday against the Red Deer Rebels. Puck drop is 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome, where the Hitmen begin a farewell season in the building they have called home for three decades.
It is an immediate Central Division test and the first opportunity to see how Calgary’s returning players, offseason additions and emerging prospects fit together when the results begin counting.
The NHL takes over Sunday when the Calgary Flames host the Seattle Kraken at 6 p.m. in their preseason opener.
Preseason hockey comes with the usual disclaimers. The line combinations will change, established veterans will be easing into form and young players will be trying to turn every shift into a longer look from the coaching staff.
Still, this exhibition carries extra feeling. It opens the Flames’ final preseason at the Saddledome and begins the countdown to one last NHL campaign beneath its familiar saddle-shaped roof.
The weekend also includes university exhibition hockey. The Dinos men host Mount Royal on Thursday and Waterloo on Friday at Father David Bauer Arena. On Sunday, the Dinos women welcome Ottawa while the MRU men face Waterloo.
But the headline belongs downtown: the Hitmen start for real Friday, then the Flames open their dress rehearsal Sunday.
Two teams. Two openers. One building beginning its long Calgary goodbye.
Times are Mountain unless otherwise noted.
Home Events
Thursday, Sept. 17
Dinos men’s hockey vs. Mount Royal — 7 p.m.
Exhibition
Father David Bauer Arena, Calgary
Friday, Sept. 18
Dinos men’s hockey vs. Waterloo — 7 p.m.
Exhibition
Father David Bauer Arena, Calgary
Calgary Hitmen vs. Red Deer Rebels — 7 p.m.
WHL regular-season and home opener
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Saturday, Sept. 19
Calgary Police Classic
8-km start: 7:30 a.m.
Half-marathon start: 8:15 a.m.
Kids race: 10 a.m.
Cowboys Park, Calgary
Dinos field hockey vs. UBC — 11 a.m.
Canada West
Hawkings Field, University of Calgary
Dinos men’s soccer vs. Saskatchewan — 2 p.m.
Canada West
Cohos Commons Field, SAIT campus, Calgary
MRU men’s soccer vs. MacEwan — 3 p.m.
Canada West
MRU Stadium Field, Calgary
Cavalry FC vs. Forge FC — 3 p.m.
Canadian Premier League
ATCO Field, Spruce Meadows
Calgary Stampeders vs. Ottawa REDBLACKS — 5 p.m.
Canadian Football League
McMahon Stadium, 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary
Calgary enters the game at 5-8 following its Labour Day Rematch loss in Edmonton.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Dinos field hockey vs. UBC — 11 a.m.
Canada West
Hawkings Field, University of Calgary
Dinos women’s hockey vs. Ottawa — 12 p.m.
Exhibition
Father David Bauer Arena, Calgary
MRU men’s hockey vs. Waterloo — 12 p.m.
Exhibition
Flames Community Arenas, Calgary
SAIT women’s soccer vs. Alberta-Augustana — 1 p.m.
ACAC
Cohos Commons Field, SAIT campus, Calgary
Dinos men’s soccer vs. Alberta — 2 p.m.
Canada West
McMahon Stadium, Calgary (1/3)
MRU men’s soccer vs. Saskatchewan — 3 p.m.
Canada West
MRU Stadium Field, Calgary
Calgary Flames vs. Seattle Kraken — 6 p.m.
NHL preseason
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Away And Neutral-Site Events
Thursday, Sept. 17
Dinos women’s hockey vs. Regina — 7 p.m.
Exhibition/neutral-site game
Saskatoon; arena not specified on the Dinos schedule
Friday, Sept. 18
Dinos women’s hockey vs. Manitoba — 2 p.m.
Exhibition/neutral-site game
Saskatoon; arena not specified on the Dinos schedule
MRU women’s hockey at Alberta — 7 p.m.
Exhibition
Clare Drake Arena, Edmonton
Saturday, Sept. 19
Dinos women’s soccer at Saskatchewan — 12 p.m.
Canada West
Griffiths Stadium, Saskatoon
MRU women’s soccer at Regina — 12 p.m.
Canada West
University of Regina Field, Regina
SAIT women’s soccer at Ambrose — 12 p.m.
ACAC
Ambrose University campus field, Calgary
Dinos football at Manitoba — 1 p.m.
Canada West
Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg
Dinos women’s rugby at UBC — 2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT
Canada West
Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre, Vancouver
SAIT men’s soccer at Ambrose — 2:15 p.m.
ACAC
Ambrose University campus field, Calgary
Sunday, Sept. 20
Dinos women’s soccer at Regina — 12 p.m.
Canada West
University of Regina Field, Regina
MRU women’s soccer at Saskatchewan — 12 p.m.
Canada West
Griffiths Stadium, Saskatoon
Calgary Wild FC at Ottawa Rapid FC — 2 p.m. MT / 4 p.m. ET
Northern Super League
TD Place, Ottawa
Calgary Hitmen at Edmonton Oil Kings — 2 p.m.
WHL
Rogers Place, Edmonton