The final episode of CBC’s long‑running Hockey Night in Canada aired earlier this month, marking the end of a tradition that has been a staple of Canadian households for generations.
A nostalgic farewell to Hockey Night in Canada
In Regina, the news sparked an unexpected surge in demand for vintage Hockey Night in Canada memorabilia, with Sticks & Doodles, a local sign shop, reporting a sharp increase in orders.
Owner Kyle Moffatt, who grew up watching the broadcast with his father, described the emotional tie many Canadians feel, especially on Father’s Day, and recalled how the show became a shared ritual for families across the country.
The shop operates under a licensing agreement with CBC and relies heavily on traffic from CBCShop.ca, which has directed fans to its online store; after the network announced the broadcasting deal with Rogers, sales of classic signs and ornaments spiked.
Moffatt said he would prefer the NHL to stay on CBC, even if it meant fewer sales, because the cultural significance outweighs commercial considerations, and he encouraged the network to boost production of the merchandise.
Long‑time viewers such as Herb Klassen and Barry Freeman shared memories of gathering around the television with their own families, illustrating how the program wove itself into the fabric of Canadian life.