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The End of an Era

By DC Sports Chick - June 8, 2008

It's the end of the road for the Hockey Night in Canada theme song:

After more than 13 months of negotiations, CBC is saddened to announce that a deal has not been reached with the rights holders for an extension of "The Hockey Theme" - CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA theme song.

But wait! There's a potential silver lining, at least according to CBC:

CBC, in conjunction with leading music producers Nettwerk Music Group, will conduct a nationwide search, inviting Canadians to write and record an original song for CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA. Then, in a debate that is certain to dominate conversations throughout the country, fans and a jury of experts will choose the best new composition. CBC will offer $100,000 for the winning song, which will then become the new "official theme song" of CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA and will be heard in every broadcast.

This could go either way: it's either going to be a great thing for the show- a sign of the changing times and new millenium- or it could be the musical version of New Coke. Only time will tell.

Update, 06/09/08: CTV managed to score the exclusive rights to "The Hockey Theme." In your face, CBC!

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Discussion

10 Comments on "The End of an Era"

#1

Posted by Victor, June 8, 2008 8:27 PM

While Canadians are having cows over this, I think it should be noted the old Monday Night Football theme was pretty memorable...only to be replaced by something even more memorable.

#2

Posted by michele, June 8, 2008 8:34 PM

They should just use "The Hockey Song" by the Hanson Brothers.

#3

Posted by Jimmy Jazz, June 8, 2008 9:33 PM

I think the Fox sports theme song is the best. I like HNIC as well, but since I can only watch CC on youtube, I won't miss the theme as much as fans North of the border.

#4

Posted by The Peerless, June 8, 2008 10:30 PM

I wonder...if Americans were told that "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" could no longer be sung at baseball parks because of rights issues, if there would be an outcry . This whole "Canadian Idol" thing for a new song just seems wrong.

#5

Posted by Grooven, June 8, 2008 10:40 PM

Interesting point. I think, much like they did on the very first game here, the Nationals should have foregone "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". (The played "Bustin' Loose" though.)
There's potential for so much more. And the only excuse I've ever gotten from anyone is "tradition". Well, then take some initiative and start a new tradition. Just because "that's the way it's always been done", doesn't mean that it should not be changed.

So just like MNF, let HNIC change songs. Maybe it'll be something even better.

(And while we're on the subject, I wish VC would drop "The Hockey Song" from it's playlist except on kids' days. And kudos to them for playing it less and less towards the end of the season.)

#6

Posted by chanuck, June 8, 2008 11:51 PM

I just hope the new song won't suck, but it really won't matter to me since I am not allowed to have "center ice" any longer. :-(

#7

Posted by Victor, June 9, 2008 8:25 AM

I like "The Hockey Song". However, I would like to hang, draw, quarter, tar, feather, and kick in the groin whoever the f@#*ing genius is who plays "Cotton-Eyed Joe" every now and then at VC.

#8

Posted by DC Sports Chick, June 9, 2008 9:24 AM

Could not agree more re: "The Hockey Song" and "Cotton-Eyed Joe"...ugh.

#9

Posted by NS2NOVA, June 9, 2008 1:07 PM

Apparently they have decided to go to mediation on this, so there is hope yet.

Coming from Canada, I can say that this is part of our national heritage, and would be akin to no longer singing "God Bless America" at Flyers games, Aussies no longer having "Waltzing Matilda", or banning fights during games.

What I can't believe is that the composer gets $500.00 every time CBC plays the song. My former taxpayer dollars were hard at work on that one.

#10

Posted by NS2NOVA, June 9, 2008 8:50 PM

To add insult to injury CTV, Canada's other major national broadcaster bought the rights in perpetuity

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/06/09/hnic-song.html

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