Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition has been discontinued after being on the air for 18 years, as announced by the show on Friday.
The Punjabi-language sports broadcast stated that since its launch in 2008, the show had “brought our community closer to the game we love.”
The statement on X expressed gratitude to viewers for their “unwavering loyalty,” emphasizing how the show shared the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a uniquely Canadian sports space.
“We are extremely proud of the collaborative effort in building this together.”
Rogers Sportsnet, the national rights-holder for NHL games, characterized the cancellation of the show as a “challenging decision.”
In a statement to CBC News, the company acknowledged that while the audience levels were not sufficient to sustain the production long-term, the broadcasts had significant meaning for many Punjabi-speaking hockey enthusiasts.
“We appreciate the support from the on-air team, production staff, and viewers who backed the show throughout the years.”
Show’s mission will ‘live on forever,’ commentator says
Jagraj Lalli, a commentator on the show since the autumn, expressed his “shock” upon learning about the cancellation on Friday. He shared that being part of the show had been his lifelong dream, dating back to when he was an eight-year-old fan muting the TV to imagine himself calling the play-by-play.
Lalli told CBC News that despite the show’s discontinuation, the 18 years of connection, diversity, and representation it brought to families would have a lasting impact.
“I am committed to maintaining connections and ensuring that the bond created between the Punjabi language, the Punjabi community, and North American sports remains unbroken,” Lalli stated.
In addition to connecting families with sports, Lalli highlighted that the show provided a platform for aspiring broadcasters from the Punjabi community. He recalled the emotional moment of his debut on Oct. 25, 2025, covering the Vancouver Canucks game against the Montreal Canadiens.
“I was overwhelmed with emotions because my younger self had a dream: ‘I will make my family proud. I will make my ancestors proud, especially my great-grandmother who taught me everything about the Punjabi language,'” he shared.
“I reminisce about her guidance, encouragement, and belief that ‘you can achieve anything you set your mind to.'”
‘What a pity’
Fans expressed disappointment online on Friday following the show’s cancellation, reminiscing about their fond memories of the program.
One user, commenting on the representation the show provided, said, “As a Canadian born to Pakistani immigrants, despite not speaking Punjabi, [Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi] was special to me as it showcased individuals who resembled me in the hockey world,”
Another user lamented the cancellation, stating, “What a shame. Pioneers for the South Asian diaspora — your absence will be greatly felt.”
According to Sportsnet, the show’s final season averaged only 1,500 viewers overall, with more than half of the games attracting fewer than 1,000 viewers.
A former member of the show also shared thoughts online.
“I