Hockey Night in Punjabi ends after 18-season run

The broadcasting landscape of the NHL in Canada continues to undergo changes.

Earlier this offseason, it was announced that the CBC would no longer be airing the long-standing Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights after failing to extend their agreement with Rogers Sportsnet, the national rightsholder for NHL broadcasts in Canada.

On Friday, Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition announced through a social media post that it would also not be returning to the airwaves for next season.

Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition debuted in 2008 in order to provide Punjabi-speaking Canadians with coverage, analysis, and commentary of Canada’s national sport in Punjabi. For 18 seasons, the program served a large portion of the South Asian diaspora within Canada by making hockey more accessible and relatable to members of that community.

Aired on OMNI Television, Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition featured hosts, announcers, and analysts such as Harnarayan Singh, Randip Janda, and Gurp Sian, among many others.

In the statement from Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition‘s social media post, the show expressed pride in its accomplishments over its 18-year run.

“A decision has been made that Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi will not be returning,” the post reads. “For 18 years, this show brought our community closer to the game we love. It shared the stories of South Asian players and families and created a space that was truly inque in Canadian sports. We are incredibly proud of what we built together.”

The post also displayed gratitude for the support of its viewers.

“To our viewers: thank you!” the post continued. “Your love, support, and unwavering loyalty meant everything to us. You welcomed us into your homes, shared your stories with us, and made this show what it became. We are grateful for every moment we shared with you. Thank you for being part of our family.”