Canadian Fans Ready to Embrace Return of NHL in Season Restart Amid Summer Heat

Canadian Fans Ready to Embrace Return of NHL in Season Restart Amid Summer Heat
Rogers Place in Edmonton, home of the Edmonton Oilers, on March 12, 2020. Canada’s favourite winter pastime is returning after the National Hockey League suspended the 2019-20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Press/Jason Franson
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EDMONTON—As the summer heat shimmers off the pavement and stationary cars double as sweltering four-door Dutch ovens, Canada’s favourite winter pastime is officially back.

The National Hockey League begins its ground-breaking, five-round elimination tournament Saturday with 24 teams split between Edmonton and Toronto.