Craft Beers for Hockey Games

The Flames will be looking to extend their two-game winning streak when they take on the Canadiens at the NHL Heritage Classic this weekend in Calgary. In this East-West match-up, retro jerseys and an outdoor arena promise a return to classic Canadian hockey, and that calls for a classic Canadian drink: beer. Pick a side then toast your team with an indigenous ale.

Flames Fans

Big Rock Brewery is an Alberta institution-it’s been churning out craft beers since the mid-80s. Their Big Rock Traditional Ale blends three hops varieties with caramel, pale, and black malts for a full-flavoured, well-balanced beer with a hint of toast, fruit, and nuts.
$14.75 for a six-pack of bottles. Available at Brewery Creek, 3045 Main St., 604-872-3373. Brewerycreekliquorstore.com

Canadiens Devotees

Toast the team with the flagship beer of Montreal’s McAuslan brewery: the St-Ambroise Pale Ale. Less bitter than other pale ales, its mild hops, fruit tones, and honey undertones make it flavourful but easy to drink.
$15.05 for a six-pack of bottles. Available at Brewery Creek, 3045 Main St., 604-872-3373. Brewerycreekliquorstore.com