Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition has been discontinued after running for 18 years, as announced by the show on Friday. The Punjabi-language sports program expressed gratitude for bringing the community closer to the beloved game since its inception in 2008. The show was commended for sharing the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a distinctive space in Canadian sports, and thanking loyal viewers for their unwavering support.
Rogers Sportsnet, the national NHL rights-holder, described the decision to cancel the show as challenging. While acknowledging that audience levels were insufficient to sustain long-term production, the company recognized the significant impact the broadcasts had on many Punjabi-speaking hockey enthusiasts and expressed gratitude to the on-air team, production staff, and viewers for their support over the years.
Commentator Jagraj Lalli, who had been part of the show since the fall, expressed shock at the cancellation. Reflecting on his childhood dream of being a sports commentator, Lalli emphasized that despite the show’s end, its legacy of diversity and connection within families would endure. He vowed to maintain the bond between the Punjabi language, community, and North American sports.
Lalli highlighted that besides promoting sports engagement among families, the show also provided a platform for aspiring broadcasters from the Punjabi community. He emotionally recalled his debut on the show, covering a Vancouver Canucks home game in 2025, and the profound influence of his great-grandmother in nurturing his Punjabi language skills and instilling confidence in him.
Fans expressed disappointment online over the show’s cancellation, reminiscing about its impact and representation for the South Asian diaspora in hockey. Despite the show’s small viewership in its final season, former show members also shared their sentiments online, emphasizing the program’s role in showcasing Punjabi language, culture, and community on a national platform.
This decision follows CBC’s announcement in June that it would no longer air Hockey Night in Canada after failing to reach a new sublicensing agreement with Sportsnet. In a series of media changes, Rogers Sports and Media also shut down Vancouver’s sports radio station, Sportsnet 650, in July, marking the end of nearly a decade-long broadcast.