The long-running program, “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition,” has been canceled after being on the air for 18 years. The Punjabi-language sports show expressed gratitude for bringing the community closer to the beloved game since its inception in 2008. The show highlighted the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a distinctive space in Canadian sports. Rogers Sportsnet, the national NHL rights holder, described the decision to cancel the show as a challenging one, citing insufficient audience levels for sustainable production in the long term.
Jagraj Lalli, a commentator on the show, shared his shock at the cancellation. He emphasized that the show’s essence, connection, and diversity will endure indefinitely. Lalli pledged to maintain the connection and ensure that the bridge between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports remains unbroken.
In addition to linking families to sports, Lalli emphasized that the show provided representation for emerging broadcasters within the Punjabi community. He recounted his emotional debut covering a Vancouver Canucks game in 2025, reflecting on the influence of his great-grandmother in shaping his language skills and ambition.
Following the announcement, fans expressed disappointment online, recalling their fond memories of the show. Despite not speaking Punjabi, some viewers appreciated seeing representation in hockey that resonated with their heritage. The cancellation was lamented by many as a loss for the South Asian diaspora and a significant moment in sports broadcasting history.
Reflecting on the impact of the show, an alumnus, Bhupinder Singh Hundal, highlighted the program’s role in promoting Punjabi language, culture, and community on a national platform. Hundal acknowledged the transformative impact the show had on his career and expressed pride in its representation of diverse voices in Canadian sports.
The cancellation of “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” follows CBC’s decision to end its nearly century-long broadcast of “Hockey Night in Canada.” This move was a result of unsuccessful sublicensing negotiations with Sportsnet, leading to the discontinuation of the iconic program. Rogers’ recent closure of Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 radio station further underscores the shifting landscape of sports media in Canada.
