The long-running program “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” has been canceled after being on air for 18 years, the show announced this Friday. The Punjabi-language sportscast expressed gratitude for bringing the South Asian community closer to the sport they love since its inception in 2008, highlighting its unique platform in Canadian sports.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national NHL games rights-holder, described the cancellation as a tough decision due to insufficient audience levels for sustaining long-term production. Despite this, the company acknowledged the significance of the broadcasts to many Punjabi-speaking hockey enthusiasts and thanked the on-air team, production staff, and viewers for their support throughout the years.
Commentator Jagraj Lalli, who had been part of the show since the fall, shared his shock at the cancellation and emphasized that the show’s impact and mission of promoting diversity and connections will endure. Lalli vowed to uphold the bond between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports, ensuring that the legacy of the show lives on.
In addition to fostering a connection between families and sports, Lalli highlighted the show’s role in providing representation for aspiring broadcasters from the Punjabi community. He recalled the emotional moment of his debut on the show, reminiscing about his family’s support and the influence of his great-grandmother in nurturing his Punjabi language skills.
Fans expressed disappointment online following the cancellation, with many cherishing the show’s representation and influence within the South Asian diaspora. Despite the end of an era, supporters praised the show’s contribution to inclusivity and visibility for the Punjabi community in national sports coverage.
The decision to end the program follows CBC’s previous announcement in June about discontinuing the broadcast of “Hockey Night in Canada” after a nearly century-long run, citing challenges in reaching a new sublicensing agreement with Sportsnet. This move comes amidst broader changes in sports media, including the recent closure of Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 radio station by Rogers Sports and Media after nearly a decade on the air.