Is hockey still Canada's game?
Summary
CBC's The Current explores the end of Hockey Night in Canada after 75 seasons, discussing its cultural legacy and the shift to paid platforms like Sportsnet and Amazon Prime. Guest Sarah Barnes, curator at the Canadian Museum of History, reflects on how the show defined national identity while acknowledging its limited representation of diverse hockey communities. The episode also highlights the growth of women's hockey and the resilience of fan culture despite increased costs and changing media landscapes.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Perk travel and spend platform
Introduction to Hockey Night in Canada history
Hockey Night in Canada moves to Sportsnet
Origins of hockey broadcasting in Canada
Cultural significance and family memories
Relevance in the streaming era
Cost of subscriptions and fan accessibility
Punjabi broadcasts and South Asian community growth
Impact of losing language-specific broadcasts
Resilience of hockey culture and modern debates
Raising expectations for a national sport
Growth of the Professional Women's Hockey League
Is hockey still Canada's game?
Diversity in Canadian sport culture and outro
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