After being on the air for 18 years, Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition has been canceled, the show announced on Friday. The Punjabi-language sportscast expressed gratitude for bringing the community closer to the beloved game since its inception in 2008, highlighting its unique representation of South Asian players and families in Canadian sports.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national rights-holder for NHL games, described the decision to cancel the show as challenging due to insufficient audience levels for long-term sustainability. Despite this, the company acknowledged the significant impact the broadcasts had on many Punjabi-speaking hockey enthusiasts and thanked the dedicated viewers, on-air team, and production staff for their support over the years.
Commentator Jagraj Lalli, who had dreamt of being part of the show since childhood, expressed shock at the cancellation. He emphasized that while the show may no longer be on the air, its legacy of diversity and connection will endure. Lalli pledged to maintain the bond between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports, ensuring that the representation and opportunities the show provided continue to thrive.
Fans lamented the cancellation online, reflecting on the show’s importance in showcasing diversity in hockey. Despite the show’s final season averaging just 1,500 viewers, with many games drawing fewer than 1,000 viewers, its impact on the community and aspiring broadcasters from the Punjabi background was profound.
The cancellation of Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition follows CBC’s decision to end its long-standing broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada after failing to secure a new sublicensing agreement with Sportsnet. The closure of the show marks a significant change in the Canadian sports broadcasting landscape, with the loss of a platform that celebrated Punjabi language, culture, and community on a national scale.