After 18 years of broadcasting, “Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition” will not be making a return, as confirmed by an announcement on the show’s official X account. The statement expressed gratitude for bringing the South Asian community closer to the beloved game and showcasing the stories of South Asian players and families, creating a unique space in Canadian sports.
Omni Television, the show’s host, and its parent company Rogers Sports & Media have not responded to requests for comments. The show extended appreciation to its loyal viewers for their unwavering support, acknowledging the role they played in shaping the show.
Disappointed online users expressed their fond memories of the show following the cancellation. One user, a descendant of Pakistani immigrants in Canada, mentioned the significance of seeing representation in hockey through the show, despite not speaking Punjabi. Another user described the show’s contributors as trailblazers for the South Asian diaspora, noting their significant impact.
The cancellation of “Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi” follows CBC’s recent decision to stop broadcasting “Hockey Night in Canada” after almost a century due to the inability to reach a new sublicensing agreement with national rights-holder Rogers Sportsnet.