Punjabi sports host makes English debut bringing diversity to hockey broadcasting
Posted Jan 14, 2021 7:25 pm.
EDMONTON (CityNews) — A familiar voice from Hockey Night in Punjabi called his first game in English Wednesday, marking a symbolic moment for representation.
Longtime Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi host Harnarayan Singh marked his first play by play in English for the Canucks’ season opener in Edmonton. And Singh says he worked a lifetime to get to where he is now.
“I was a kid who grew up wanting to do this, but I was told many times that it wouldn’t be possible because of how I look,” he tells CityNews.
What a night that was! After calling 700 plus games for @HkyNightPunjabi, I did PxP for @sportsnet in English on opening night of the 21’ @nhl season. I wouldn’t be here without the support of so many It wasn’t perfect but I look fwd to putting in the work for the game I love! pic.twitter.com/V7tGTSqXLh
— Harnarayan | IceSingh (@IceSinghHNIC) January 14, 2021
Singh has called play by play for the Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi broadcast for years, and his work and voice helped recruit people across the country to hit the ice.
“More people are playing hockey because of this show and participating, becoming fans,” he says.
“But even representation wise, myself and my colleagues, we got our foot in the door because of Hockey Night Punjabi.”
Singh says he is happy to make the move to the English broadcast knowing his contribution will impact young fans.
“Representation matters so much,” he says. “I know you know for kids out there who are watching –when you see someone who resembles what you look like, or your community– it right away opens the door and it proves to them that they have a place in that industry.”
