First Goal Contest
Official

Contest Rules

These are the official rules for First Goal Contest. Participation constitutes acceptance of these rules.

Last updated: May 2026. Subject to change with notice.

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No purchase necessary. A purchase does not increase your chances of winning. Open to Canadian residents 19+ (18+ in AB, MB, PEI). Void where prohibited.

1. Eligibility

  • First Goal Contest is open to legal residents of Canada who are 19 years of age or older at the time of entry (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island).
  • Residents of Quebec may participate subject to applicable provincial laws and regulations governing promotional contests.
  • Employees, officers, directors, and contractors of First Goal Contest, its affiliates, prize sponsors, and their immediate family members are not eligible.
  • Participation requires creation of a free account using a valid email address.
  • One account per person. Use of multiple accounts or automated entries will result in disqualification.

2. How to Enter

  • No purchase necessary. A purchase does not increase your chances of winning.
  • Create a free account at firstgoalcontest.ca.
  • Before each eligible NHL game featuring a Canadian team, submit your pick for which player will score the first goal.
  • Picks must be submitted before puck drop. Late submissions are not accepted.
  • One (1) pick per game per account.

3. Pick Rules

  • A pick consists of selecting one player from either team roster for a specific game.
  • Picks lock at puck drop — the moment the referee drops the puck to start the game.
  • Players may update their pick any number of times before puck drop. The final submitted pick at lock time is binding.
  • Only skaters (forwards and defencemen) are eligible to be selected. Goalies cannot be picked.
  • If a selected player does not play in the game (healthy scratch, injury), the pick is voided and no points are awarded or deducted.

4. Eligible Games

  • Only NHL regular season and playoff games featuring at least one (1) Canadian franchise are eligible.
  • Canadian franchises: Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets.
  • Exhibition, preseason, and All-Star games are not eligible.
  • Games postponed or cancelled before a first goal is scored result in all picks for that game being voided.

5. Points System

  • Points are awarded for correct first-goal picks. The complete points schedule is published at the start of each contest season.
  • Bonus points may be awarded for correct-pick streaks, high-volume weeks, and other promotions. Bonus structures are announced in advance.
  • Incorrect picks receive zero (0) points. There is no point deduction for incorrect picks.
  • Points are non-transferable and have no cash value outside of contest prize determination.

6. Prizes

  • Prize details — including prize descriptions, values, and quantities — are announced at the start of each contest period.
  • Prizes are awarded based on leaderboard standings at the close of each contest period (weekly, monthly, seasonal, as applicable).
  • In the event of a tie, the tied player with the most recent correct pick wins. Further ties are resolved by earliest account registration date.
  • Prize winners will be notified by email within seven (7) business days of the contest period close.
  • Winners must respond to prize notification within fourteen (14) days or the prize may be forfeited.
  • Prizes are not redeemable for cash and are non-transferable.
  • First Goal Contest is not responsible for prizes lost or delayed due to third-party logistics.

7. Conduct & Integrity

  • Participation in any form of collusion, manipulation, or use of automated tools to gain unfair advantage is prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification and ban.
  • First Goal Contest reserves the right to void picks, adjust standings, or disqualify participants at its sole discretion for any conduct it deems contrary to the spirit of fair play.
  • First Goal Contest decisions regarding eligibility, point awards, and prize allocation are final.

8. Privacy & Communications

  • By creating an account, participants consent to receive contest-related communications including game-day reminders, pick-lock alerts, leaderboard updates, and prize notifications.
  • Participants may opt out of non-essential communications at any time via account settings.
  • Personal information is collected and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

9. NHL Disclaimer

  • First Goal Contest is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the National Hockey League (NHL), the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), or any NHL team.
  • NHL team names and abbreviations are used for informational and descriptive purposes only under fair use.
  • Team logos and official marks are not used on this platform.

10. General

  • First Goal Contest reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the contest at any time with notice to participants.
  • These rules are governed by the laws of Canada and the province of Ontario.
  • By participating, entrants agree to these Official Rules and the decisions of First Goal Contest, which are final and binding in all respects.
  • Void where prohibited by law.

Questions about the rules? Visit our FAQ or contact us.