After 18 years on the air, “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” has been canceled as announced on Friday. The Punjabi-language sportscast expressed how it had brought the community closer to the beloved game since its launch in 2008. It was highlighted that the show shared the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a unique space in Canadian sports. The statement thanked viewers for their unwavering loyalty, stating, “We are incredibly proud of what we built together.”
Rogers Sportsnet, the national NHL rights-holder, described the cancellation as a tough decision due to the show’s audience levels not being strong enough for long-term sustainability. The company acknowledged the significance of the broadcasts to many Punjabi-speaking hockey fans and expressed gratitude to the on-air team, production staff, and viewers for their support over the years.
Commentator Jagraj Lalli, who has been part of the show since the fall, expressed shock at the cancellation, mentioning that it was his dream job since childhood. He emphasized that despite the show’s end, the mission of connecting families and promoting diversity will endure. Lalli affirmed his commitment to maintaining the connection between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports.
Fans of the show shared their disappointment online, expressing fond memories and appreciation for the representation it provided. Despite the cancellation, the show’s impact on the community and the opportunities it offered for up-and-coming broadcasters from the Punjabi community were highlighted. The last season’s audience average was reported to be just 1,500 viewers, with most games drawing fewer than 1,000 viewers.
The news of the cancellation follows CBC’s decision in June to end its broadcast of “Hockey Night in Canada” after nearly a century due to the inability to reach a new sublicensing deal with Sportsnet. Additionally, Rogers Sports and Media shut down Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 sports radio station in July after nearly a decade on the air.
The legacy of “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” will be remembered for its contributions to diversity and community representation in sports broadcasting.