Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition has been discontinued after 18 years on air, the program announced on Friday. In a statement released by the Punjabi-language broadcast, it expressed how the show had united the community with their shared love for the sport since its inception in 2008. The statement praised the program for highlighting the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a unique space within Canadian sports. The team behind the show expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of its viewers, acknowledging the strong bond that had been formed over the years.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national rights holder for NHL games, referred to the decision to cancel the show as a challenging one. While acknowledging that the viewership numbers were not sufficient for long-term sustainability, the company recognized the significance of the broadcasts to many Punjabi-speaking hockey enthusiasts. They expressed appreciation for the dedication of the on-air talent, production crew, and loyal audience who had backed the show throughout its tenure.
Commentator Jagraj Lalli, who had been part of the show since the autumn, shared his surprise at the sudden cancellation. Lalli reflected on his childhood dream of being involved in such a program, emphasizing the lasting impact the show had in fostering connections and diversity among families. He vowed to uphold the legacy of the show by ensuring the continuation of the bridge between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment at the show’s cancellation, reminiscing about the fond memories they had experienced while watching. The program was seen as a beacon of representation for the South Asian community in the world of hockey. Despite the show coming to an end, its mission of inclusivity and diversity was believed to endure, leaving a lasting imprint on its audience.
The decision to end Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition follows CBC’s announcement earlier in the year that the traditional Hockey Night in Canada broadcast would no longer be aired after nearly a century. This decision stemmed from the network’s inability to secure a new sublicensing agreement with Sportsnet. Rogers Sports and Media also recently shut down Vancouver’s sports radio station, Sportsnet 650, after almost a decade of operation, signaling a shift in the broadcasting landscape.