After 18 years on the air, “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” has been canceled, as announced on Friday. The Punjabi-language sportscast expressed gratitude for bringing the community closer to the beloved game since its inception in 2008. The show highlighted the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a unique space in Canadian sports.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national NHL games rights-holder, described the cancellation as a challenging decision due to insufficient audience levels for long-term sustainability. Despite this, the company acknowledged the show’s significance to many Punjabi-speaking hockey fans and thanked the on-air team, production staff, and viewers for their support over the years.
Jagraj Lalli, a commentator on the show, expressed shock at the cancellation, emphasizing the lasting impact of the show’s mission. He pledged to maintain connections within the Punjabi community and North American sports, ensuring that the bond created by the show endures.
Fans lamented the cancellation online, reflecting on the show’s positive influence and representation in the hockey world. One user highlighted the show’s role in providing visibility to individuals from the South Asian diaspora in hockey. Another expressed disappointment at the loss of trailblazers for the community.
The show not only connected families with sports but also provided opportunities for up-and-coming broadcasters from the Punjabi community. Lalli shared emotional sentiments about fulfilling a childhood dream by being part of the show and honoring his family’s heritage through his work.
The cancellation of “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” follows CBC’s decision to end its long-standing tradition of broadcasting “Hockey Night in Canada.” The move comes after CBC’s inability to reach a new sublicensing deal with Sportsnet. Rogers Sports and Media also recently shut down Vancouver’s sports radio station, Sportsnet 650, after nearly a decade on the air.