Canada election debate moved to avoid clash with NHL game

An election debate in Canada has been rescheduled to avoid a clash with a Montreal Canadiens hockey game.

The Canadiens take on the Carolina Hurricanes at 19:00 ET (23:00 BST) on 17 April, and could clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup play-offs with victory.

The French-language leaders’ debate had been scheduled to start at 20:00 ET – at the midway point of the National Hockey League fixture.

But the Leaders’ Debates Commission say the debate will now start two hours earlier at 18:00 ET to “recognise Canadians’ passion for hockey”.

“Citizens will be able to catch this crucial moment in the election campaign while also following the decisive periods of the hockey game that could put the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs,” a statement read.