There are a few different ways to watch the Calgary Flames hockey games through Sportsnet. Sportsnet is a Canadian sports broadcasting network that holds the regional rights to broadcast Flames games. The Flames are an NHL hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta. Here are some of the main ways to watch Flames games through Sportsnet:
Watch on TV
The primary way to watch Flames games through Sportsnet is on your television. Sportsnet operates 4 regional channels across Canada – Sportsnet West, Ontario, East and Pacific. If you live in the Flames designated broadcast region, which is Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, you can watch games on Sportsnet West. The channel may be available through your cable or satellite provider. Check your provider’s channel listings.
Stream online
Sportsnet also provides online streaming options to watch Flames games:
- Sportsnet NOW – This is Sportsnet’s streaming service that provides live streams of the Sportsnet regional channels. You can subscribe directly to Sportsnet NOW to access the live streams without a cable subscription.
- Sportsnet.ca – Sportsnet provides live streaming of some national NHL games through their website. You can check the NHL streaming schedule on Sportsnet.ca to see which games they are streaming online.
- NHL Live – This is the NHL’s own streaming service that lets you watch out-of-market NHL games. Flames games broadcast on Sportsnet Pacific will be available on NHL Live.
Listen on radio
You can listen to Flames game broadcasts through Sportsnet radio stations. In Calgary, Sportsnet 960 is the radio broadcaster for Flames games. You can tune into 960 AM on your radio. Other Sportsnet radio stations also carry some Flames games.
Ways to Watch Sportsnet Flames Games
Here is more detail on the various options for watching Flames games through Sportsnet during the NHL season:
Sportsnet West TV Channel
Sportsnet West is the Flames’ primary regional broadcaster, airing the majority of Calgary games. Sportsnet West is available through:
- Cable – The channel is carried by all major cable providers in Alberta and Saskatchewan including Shaw Cable, Rogers Cable, Telus Optik TV, Access Communications and more.
- Satellite – The channel is available via Shaw Direct and Bell Satellite TV.
Sportsnet West is typically included in the basic channel packages. Check with your TV provider to confirm you receive the channel.
Sportsnet NOW
Sportsnet NOW gives you access to live streams of the Sportsnet regional channels including Sportsnet West. This option does not require a cable subscription. There are two main options:
Package | Price | Details |
---|---|---|
SN NOW Premium | $34.99/month | Includes:
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SN NOW | $19.99/month | Includes:
|
Sportsnet NOW can be streamed through their website, mobile apps, and various connected TV platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Fire Stick.
Sportsnet.ca
Sportsnet provides free live streams of select national NHL games through their website. These are available to all Canadian viewers with no login or subscription required.
The national NHL games typically include Wednesday Night Hockey and Saturday Hockey Night in Canada games. You can check the posted NHL streaming schedules on Sportsnet.ca to confirm if a Flames game will be available.
These free streams are accessible on desktop and laptop through the Sportsnet.ca website. Mobile access is limited.
NHL Live
NHL Live is the NHL’s own streaming product for out-of-market games. It provides access to live streams of NHL games that are broadcast outside of your region.
The cost is $199.99 for a full season pass. This provides live streams of all out-of-market NHL games, except your local team’s games which will be blacked out.
For Flames fans, the key benefit of NHL Live is access to Flames games shown on Sportsnet Pacific. Sportsnet Pacific televises select Flames games outside of Alberta. Those Pacific broadcasts will be available on NHL Live.
NHL Live can be streamed through the NHL app and website. There are apps for mobile devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles and more.
Sportsnet 960 Radio
For radio coverage, Sportsnet 960 AM is the flagship station for Flames game broadcasts. Sportsnet 960 has exclusive rights to air all Flames games on radio.
You can listen to Sportsnet 960 through:
- A radio tuned to AM 960 in southern Alberta
- Online streaming through the station website
- Sportsnet app – Available on smartphones and connected devices
Other Sportsnet radio stations like Sportsnet 590 (Toronto) and Sportsnet 650 (Vancouver) will also carry some Flames games.
How to Get Sportsnet Flames Broadcasts
Here are some tips on ensuring you can access Sportsnet’s Flames game broadcasts through the method you choose:
Check your TV provider
If planning to watch Flames games on Sportsnet West on your television, check the following:
- Confirm your package includes Sportsnet West – You likely need at least a basic cable package
- Check PPV games – Some games may only be available on a pay-per-view basis
- Make sure your bill and account status is up to date
Contact your provider if you don’t receive the channel or need to upgrade your package.
Get a streaming subscription
If cutting the cord from cable, get setup with a Sportsnet NOW subscription to stream the Flames games online through the app or website. Sign up early before the season starts. Make sure to login and test out watching live Sportsnet West streams before the first Flames game.
The SN Now Premium package will provide the most comprehensive access if you want to stream all regional Sportsnet channels. SN Now is cheaper if only needing your local regional feed.
Check NHL Live blackouts
Before subscribing to NHL Live, check their regional blackout restrictions. Games for local teams like the Flames will be blacked out. The service is meant for out-of-town fans. The main value is accessing the Flames games shown on Sportsnet Pacific.
Listen on the radio
Get the Sportsnet app to listen on your smartphone or device. Tune into Sportsnet 960 if in listening range in Alberta. Confirm the schedule of radio broadcasts as some games may only be televised.
When Do The Flames Play on Sportsnet?
The NHL season schedule typically runs from early October through mid-April. The Flames play 82 regular season games.
Sportsnet West is scheduled to broadcast 66 regional Flames games for the 2022-23 season. Sportsnet Pacific will show 16 more games.
Flames games are aired on Sportsnet on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Saturday is Hockey Night in Canada. Some Flames games are nationally exclusive on CBC.
The NHL releases the official schedule with broadcast details in July before the season starts. Closer to the season, check Sportsnet’s Flames broadcast schedule to confirm game dates and broadcast channels.
Conclusion
Sportsnet remains the best place for Flames fans to catch games through the NHL season. Accessing the regional Sportsnet channels through cable or Sportsnet NOW provides the most coverage. NHL Live fills gaps by streaming out-of-region games. Listen on Sportsnet radio when unable to watch. Check the schedule ahead of time and make sure you have access through your preferred method so you don’t miss a game. Go Flames go!