Bandits Broadcast Team On Connect FM

I can’t let the day pass without passing on my congratulations to the broadcast team of Jagraj Lalli and Jarman Chahal who are broadcasting games this season for the Vancouver Bandits with the games being broadcast on Connect FM

Jagraj has been my  broadcast partner for games broadcast live on Eastlink TV Tuesday nights as well as the Richmond Sockeyes in the PJHL as well  as broadcasting games for the Surrey Eagles in the BCHL and again this year the Delta Islanders Junior Lacrosse program.

For the “team” of Jag and Jarman I personally am pleased to know them both knowing that this is  a major step for not only them but also the CEBL Vancouver Bandits which should be doing all games, but that’s a business decision for the team.

The following is the press release sent out by the team – Enjoy the read!! 

The Vancouver Bandits and Connect FM are proud to announce the continuation of their groundbreaking partnership to broadcast select 2025 Bandits home games in Punjabi, marking the second straight season of inclusive, community-driven basketball storytelling on air.

In 2024, the Bandits and Connect FM made history by becoming the first team in Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) history to deliver a live Punjabi radio broadcast on June 1, 2024. 

This milestone moment resonated with fans across the Lower Mainland and the global South Asian diaspora, creating space for representation, access, and cultural celebration through basketball.

“As a radio platform, Connect FM has always focused on organizing and partnering with initiatives that involve projects benefiting our community. Our partnership with the Vancouver Bandits is purely based on the idea of offering something that has never been done before, “ said Tejinder Singh, director – strategy & operations of Connect Media Network. 

Connect FM’s live broadcast of CEBL games in Punjabi was well received by our audience in 2024. This year, listeners will have a great experience of catching the game updates live in Punjabi language again.”

Bringing the action will be play-by-play broadcaster Jagraj Lalli and analyst Jarman Chahal, who together bring experience from Hockey Night In Canada: Punjabi Edition, the BC Hockey League as well as several broadcasting stints with various leagues and community events throughout the Lower Mainland region.

Connect FM will provide live Punjabi commentary for eight marquee Bandits home games this season. Fans can tune in across multiple platforms:

• Online:​ connectfm.ca → Click Listen LIVE Surrey FM 91.5
• App:​Connect FM Canada (available via App Store & Google Play)
• Radio: 91.5 FM in Surrey and surrounding areas

2025 Punjabi Radio Broadcast Schedule on Connect FM:

• Saturday, May 24 – vs. Edmonton Stingers | 7:00 PM
• Sunday, June 1 – vs. Calgary Surge | 5:00 PM
• Saturday, June 14 – vs. Montreal Alliance | 7:00 PM
• Friday, June 20 – vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears (South Asian Heritage Night) | 7:00 PM
• Saturday, June 28 – vs. Saskatchewan Rattlers | 7:00 PM
• Sunday, July 6 – vs. Brampton Honey Badgers | 5:00 PM
• Sunday, July 20 – vs. Edmonton Stingers | 5:00 PM
• Sunday, August 3 – vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears | 5:00 PM
  

“The return of our Punjabi radio broadcast is a meaningful step in our continued commitment to inclusion,” said Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits team president. “This partnership with Connect FM not only brings the game to Punjabi-speaking fans but also celebrates the vibrant South Asian community that is a proud part of our team’s identity and culture. Punjabi will not be the only language we explore for Vancouver Bandits live stream and radio broadcasts.”

### 

For Vancouver Bandits media inquiries, please contact:

Justin Sulpico, Senior Manager, Brand & Communications, (604) 626-8513, media@thebandits.ca

About the Vancouver Bandits:

The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Langley Events Centre (LEC).

About the CEBL:

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its rosters being Canadian and more than 10 players with NBA game experience in 2025. 

Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. 

More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. 

The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment. 

More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.