Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition has been discontinued after 18 years on the air, the program announced on Friday. The Punjabi-language sports broadcast expressed gratitude for bringing the community closer to the beloved game since its inception in 2008. The show was commended for sharing the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a distinct space in Canadian sports.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national NHL rights-holder, acknowledged the challenging decision to cancel the show due to insufficient audience levels for long-term sustainability. Despite this, the company recognized the significance of the broadcasts to many Punjabi-speaking hockey enthusiasts and extended appreciation to the on-air team, production staff, and loyal viewers.
Commentator Jagraj Lalli, who had aspired to be part of the show since childhood, conveyed shock upon learning about its cancellation. He emphasized that the legacy of the show’s mission and its impact on diversity and community connections would endure. Lalli affirmed his commitment to preserving the cultural bridge between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports.
In addition to uniting families through sports, Lalli highlighted the show’s role in providing representation for emerging broadcasters within the Punjabi community. He shared his emotional debut experience covering a Vancouver Canucks game, reminiscing about his great-grandmother’s influence in nurturing his Punjabi language skills and instilling confidence in his abilities.
Fans expressed disappointment online following the show’s cancellation, reminiscing about the positive impact it had on representation and inclusivity in hockey. Despite the end of an era, the show’s influence on the community and the broadcasting industry was acknowledged by former contributors, emphasizing the program’s pivotal role in showcasing Punjabi language, culture, and community on a national platform.
This decision follows CBC’s announcement in June regarding the discontinuation of Hockey Night in Canada after almost a century due to challenges in reaching a new sublicensing agreement with Sportsnet. The closure of Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 radio station by Rogers Sports and Media in July further underlines the shifting landscape in sports broadcasting.