The Punjabi‑language version of Canada’s beloved hockey broadcast, ‘Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition’, aired its final game this week, bringing to a close an 18‑year run that introduced countless viewers to the sport in their mother tongue.
A Community‑Driven Broadcast
The program debuted on OMNI Television, a multilingual free‑over‑the‑air channel that gave a national platform to South Asian voices in sports.
Harnarayan Singh became a household name after his vivid call of Nick Bonino’s 2016 Stanley Cup‑winning goal, a moment that still reverberates among fans.
Randip Janda followed with a historic appointment as the first full‑time South Asian radio commentator in NHL history, previously heard calling Canucks games for Sportsnet.
Beyond the play‑by‑play, the show forged a cultural connection for Canadian‑born South Asian families, celebrating their presence on the ice and offering representation rarely seen in mainstream sports media.
The End of an Era
The cancellation coincides with the broader shutdown of ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ after 74 years, a change sparked by licensing negotiations between CBC and Rogers Communications.
Rogers has now partnered with Amazon Prime Video to deliver NHL games, while CBC retains rights to the iconic brand for future use.
Looking Ahead
Although the Punjabi edition has signed off, its legacy endures in the growing visibility of South Asian athletes and the expanding role of multilingual programming in North American sports.