The cancellation of “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” has been announced after being on the air for 18 years, the show revealed on Friday. The Punjabi-language sportscast expressed how it had brought the community closer to the beloved game since its launch in 2008, highlighting the stories of South Asian players and families. The show’s unique space in Canadian sports was acknowledged in a statement, thanking viewers for their steadfast support.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national rights-holder for NHL games, referred to the decision to cancel the show as a challenging one. While recognizing the significant impact on many Punjabi-speaking hockey fans, the company explained that the audience levels were not sufficient to sustain long-term production.
Jagraj Lalli, a commentator on the show, shared his shock at the cancellation, emphasizing the lasting impact of the show’s mission. He reflected on the show’s contribution to connecting families with sports and providing representation for emerging broadcasters within the Punjabi community.
The online reaction to the cancellation was filled with disappointment from fans, with many expressing fond memories of the show. Comments highlighted the show’s role in diversifying the representation in hockey and its significance for the South Asian diaspora.
The last season of the show recorded an overall audience average of 1,500 viewers, with more than half of the games averaging fewer than 1,000 viewers. An alumnus of the show, Bhupinder Singh Hundal, also shared his sentiments online, praising the program for its impact on his career and for providing a platform for Punjabi language, culture, and community on a national stage.
This news follows CBC’s decision in June to discontinue broadcasting “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 recently shut down Vancouver’s sports radio station, Sportsnet 650, after almost a decade on the air.
