After 18 years on air, “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” has been canceled, as announced by the show 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 portrayal of South Asian players and families in the Canadian sports landscape.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national NHL rights-holder, described the decision to cancel the show as challenging, citing insufficient audience levels for sustainable production. Despite this, the company acknowledged the significant impact the broadcasts had on Punjabi-speaking hockey fans and thanked the on-air team, production staff, and loyal viewers for their support throughout the years.
Jagraj Lalli, a commentator on the show, expressed shock at the cancellation, emphasizing the lasting legacy of the show’s mission to connect families and promote diversity in sports. He pledged to uphold the bridge between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports, ensuring the show’s spirit endures.
Fans lamented the cancellation online, reminiscing about the show’s positive representation and impact on the South Asian diaspora in the hockey world. Despite the show’s final season averaging 1,500 viewers, with many games drawing fewer than 1,000 viewers, its influence on the community and broadcasting industry remains profound.
Former show member Bhupinder Singh Hundal reflected on the program’s transformative role in his career, emphasizing its significance in showcasing Punjabi language, culture, and community on a national platform. The cancellation of “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” follows CBC’s earlier decision to end its long-standing broadcast of “Hockey Night in Canada,” marking a significant shift in the Canadian sports media landscape.