After being on the air for 18 years, the long-running program “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” has been canceled, as announced by the show on Friday. The Punjabi-language sports broadcast 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.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national rights-holder for NHL games, described the cancellation as a challenging choice, citing insufficient audience levels to sustain the production long-term. Despite this, they acknowledged the significant impact the broadcasts had on Punjabi-speaking hockey fans and expressed appreciation for the support received from the on-air team, production staff, and viewers throughout the show’s run.
Commentator Jagraj Lalli, who had cherished the role since childhood, expressed shock at the show’s cancellation. He emphasized the lasting legacy of the program, stating that the show’s mission of promoting diversity and connection within families would endure. Lalli pledged to uphold the bridge between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports, ensuring that the show’s impact remains everlasting.
In addition to fostering a connection between families and sports, Lalli highlighted the show’s role in providing representation for emerging broadcasters from the Punjabi community. Recalling his emotional debut covering a Vancouver Canucks game in 2025, he shared his personal journey of fulfilling a childhood dream and the influence of his great-grandmother in nurturing his Punjabi language skills.
Fans of the show expressed disappointment online following the news of its cancellation, with many reminiscing fondly about the program’s impact. The show’s final season averaged just 1,500 viewers overall, with a significant portion of games drawing fewer than 1,000 viewers, according to Sportsnet data. Former show member Bhupinder Singh Hundal reflected on the program’s significance, noting its role in showcasing Punjabi language, culture, and community on a national platform.
The cancellation of “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” follows CBC’s decision to end its long-standing broadcast of “Hockey Night in Canada” after failing to reach a new sublicensing agreement with Sportsnet. This recent development adds to the series of closures by Rogers Sports and Media, including Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 radio station, signifying a shift in the sports broadcasting landscape.