The return of the iconic ESPN NHL theme song | NHL on ESPN

The return of the iconic ESPN NHL theme song | NHL on ESPN
Composer Bob Christianson tells the story of bringing back ESPN’s iconic theme song for the NHL that has resonated with fans for years.
#NHL #ESPN
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[@mattwilkinson3209]

As a child of the ‘90s, this theme brings back so many memories of watching hockey with my Dad. Gary Thorne had such an amazing voice for hockey too. I’m so glad you’ve brought back some old personalities like Sean McDonough, Barry Melrose, and Steve Levy among others, but I’m especially happy that you brought back this theme.

[@NEPats1289]

All we need is the return of Gary Thorne. Those were great days but the nbc theme song and doc turned into a better broadcast

[@myquest666420]

Remember the old hockey falls commercials? Clement, Clement… hands of cement

[@mattwilkinson3209]

@@myquest666420 As a Bruins fan, I really felt for that poor guy.

[@metalapollo]

All those and definately John Saunders is missed.

[@williambolden6437]

It just ain’t right you don’t have Gary Thorne

[@OniJays]

As a hockey fan and a cello student I never thought I’d see the day… yet there I was. Being a part of this project was a such a huge honor. Thank you ESPN, and let’s go Rangers!

[@Ghostrider6A]

Let's Go Caps!

[@dcbandnerd]

That is so dope! How did the recording session go?

[@moemonte88]

Yes!!! Let’s go rangers!!!

[@AnonYmous-fc3xx]

@@dcbandnerd The recording session was fun. Though you'd think that for a three hour session, there would be more scenes of the orchestra

[@dcbandnerd]

@@AnonYmous-fc3xx I guess they paid Beiber a lot of dough for that voice over and wanted their money's worth.

[@Mathtron5000]

As someone who has recently fallen down a rabbit hole of old sports themes, I gotta say this is one of the best themes possibly of all time

[@shadytnu24]

for me, it's this, the 1993 NCAA Basketball on CBS, the late 90s ABC College Football, and the original/current MLB on Fox

[@araparseghian2]

It's between this and NBA on NBC for me

[@hexx.hockey]

I shed a tear, I'll be honest. Those Gary Thorne intros in the 90s are legendary

[@charlesrocks]

Bob Christensen is an absolute legend. So glad to see him get recognition.

[@dknadeau0912]

As a kid born in 87 who played hockey my entire life, this theme brings back everything.

[@abracad5309]

Same age. Brought a tear to my eye

[@dannyf96]

Born in 90. Same idea. It’s everything.

[@Erdrick68]

Hearing this theme again was like getting a big hug from an old friend you haven't seen in a couple of decades.

[@Steve-bi4ej]

Born in 86. Growing up watching hockey, this song was hockey and this song was life.

[@MattCProductions_]

This was so well done. I hope Gary Thorne can come back and call some games. I wasn't alive for much of ESPN's run in the 90's and 00's, but ESPN's coverage and Gary Thorne's voice really jumped out at me. I love watching highlights with him on the call; just a perfect broadcasting voice.

[@damienchance2622]

I wish Erin Andrews along with Brian Enblom and bill Clement come back to ESPN

[@garretthohn]

I too am a Thorne fan-boy! His calls were great and his voice ... legendary.

[@robsoto3683]

It feels like being in 1998 at my parents' house. Yes, i'm crying.

[@rbecker380]

No, you're not.

[@sillygoose635]

@@rbecker380 Nobody asked you.

[@MrBlazemaster525]

The chills start at 5:08 Welcome back indeed old friend

[@respect_the_curv]

Can’t lie I cried.

[@repost9581]

This gave me goosebumps. Not a hockey fan but I imagine it's the same feeling that I get when I hear the Chicago Bulls home court intro with the laser show and all. That gets me riled up every time.

[@americangiant1003]

repost. The 1990's was a great decade. You have this legendary NHL theme on ESPN. And then the classic Roundball NBA theme on NBC by John Tesh.

[@jamesfrancosky8703]

CHILLS. LITERAL CHILLS.

[@MmaFan34]

I get goosebumps EVERY TIME I hear the call of Kariya’s goal against the Devils in the Cup Finals!

[@jonathanwatson1908]

GOAT SCF Goal call of all time

[@Pokerdude38]

Off the floor, ON THE BOARD!!!

[@myvideos8584]

Gary Thorne was the hockey announcing goat. Doc was sensational and in many ways will never be beaten at his craft. But GThorne WAS hockey to me in the 90s. No one got you as excited for a goal as he did. Just brilliant.

[@dcbandnerd]

I didn't grow up a hockey fan - came to the game while in college - but this theme was always *the* musical icon for the NHL. I'm so glad it's back in use.

[@ericthayer2409]

This brought tears to my eyes! Music is such a powerful machine! It took me back so quickly to my youth and an obsessive love I once had for a great sport that has been neglected in the states on TV over the last 17 years!!

[@Streetkillz13]

I love the way the first player you see in the video is OVI, and the last player you see is Crosby. Brining front and center the 2 superstars that were most effected by the move away from ESPN. Had the NHL returned to ESPN following the lockout these are the players who would have been front and center For 15+ years. One of if not the greatest player rivalries in team sports history. It's fitting that the players who bookend this are those two.

[@WelcomeToTheMadKingdom]

Just imagine how hard this is gonna hit during the Playoffs, and ESPECIALLY During the Stanley Cup Finals.

[@cheeburgersuarez3592]

Finally after an absence of 17 years, the NHL returns home to ESPN.

[@sip5257]

NHL was must see TV back in the 90s / Early 00s … Legends , Warriors

[@sillygoose635]

still is now.

[@CCROGGY]

@@sillygoose635 not as much as back then when they allowed more goonish behavior lol

[@brendangehl1189]

Theme always brings visions of Wings-Avs rivalry and the 94 Cup Finals

[@TimMcClure]

Just caught this on the broadcast, amazing timing having it teed up on KZbin so people like me can find a link to the whole bit to share

[@rc7199]

I felt like a kid again hearing this. Brought back alot of great memories

[@vinnielangdonshow]

This theme didn't go away for 17 years... I still play NHL 2K5 ESPN for this theme alone!

[@patrickday1816]

I teared up when I heard it for the first time in well over a decade. Hearing the echoes of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement was absolutely ethereal. It will always be a part of my life.

[@islandxtreme26]

Felt the same way about this when it returned and the same about the equally iconic NBA on NBC theme that FOX Sports bought and uses for College Basketball games

[@dociebiemowie915]

I just teared up. It is a damn crime that this was taken away. An amazing, fast and furious sport taken away just like that. Perfect intro along with Gary Thorne on the call. Better late than never I guess!!!! Bring it on…. NOW!!!

[@frankakerley5641]

Absolute chills up and down my spine. Seeing all the clips from the 90s and early 00's then cascading into the modern era... absolutely wonderful and masterfully done by ESPN.

[@TheLaserShowUK]

Iconic. We used to get the Wednesday and Sunday night ESPN broadcasts on terrestrial TV over in the UK. Would be more like 1am on Thursdays and Mondays GMT, but I'd be up watching the games. And be half asleep at school the next day.

[@zacsewell6768]

He also wrote the theme for the CBS College Basketball theme. I hope they will cover that theme too on CBS. This guy’s themes are legendary.

[@callmeshaggy5166]

This and "NBA on NBC" are all-time classics

[@RevolutionByNight]

God bless the return of the NHL to ESPN. Very well made vid!

[@Hayyden]

If they could replace the entire crew with people who actually know hockey that would be helpful.

[@princeofpop8]

I’m happy the NHL is back on ESPN in the U.S.

[@brianbrian4016]

ESPN+ is not ESPN

[@damienchance2622]

I wish they had ESPN 2 again

[@mikegarrens5286]

More like ESPN Plus

[@BlueShoeMagoo]

“But then it was gone”. Thank goodness for KZbin.

[@brentblanchard1437]

Insane. Was hoping to hear the theme tonight after telling my son about it, we got treated to this. Epic.

[@richardherrera9948]

This is so Iconic! Makes me think of Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and I can name a lot of others by watching NHL on ESPN in the 90s and early 2000s

[@juliangarcia1221]

Those were some great Avs teams back then

[@juliangarcia1221]

There were other dominate teams like the Red Wings with Steve Yzerman Sergei Federov Dino Ciccerelli Mike Vernon and Vladimir Konstantinov and the Devils with Martin Brodeur Scott Stevens Claude Lemeiux Scott Niedimayer Scott Gomez Jamie Laugenbrunner John Madden and Joe Nieuwendyk

[@myvideos8584]

@@juliangarcia1221 the best era

[@serenity2228]

Got tears in my eyes, man. I'm praying that the ESPN Deal brings so many more people to this incredible, one of a kind sport.

[@damienchance2622]

I wish ESPN could 20 more years of NHL broadcasting.

[@respect_the_curv]

I tear up everytime I watch this video

[@xSmootx]

I'm not a hockey fan, but this theme slaps. Would love to see a mini-doc feature like this for the supplemental theme for the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest which was also done by Bob Christianson, as well as a modern orchestral remake. Great stuff.

[@SportsFan-vq9kk]

You should become a fan the games are good

[@TheHeston83]

theres 32 teams you can choose now its a great sport i view it as a Football on Ice

[@MarcusB-qr1hk]

I’m so pumped for this season! Welcome back #NHLonESPN

[@Rindiculousfun]

I feel like hockey has the best themes to ever exist. ESPN, NBC, TSN, Sportsnet all have themes that give me chills when played. They're all perfect.

[@tylerlarsen1842]

The version of "The Hockey Theme" that was used on Hockey Night in Canada from 1989 to 1998 and from 2003 to 2007 is the best of them all.

[@Outdoor.pixels]

sooooo inspirational!!!! The crew that shot this did an amazing job and I don't understand how it haven't went viral.

[@jgreico11]

Thank you for posting this clip, Please never delete it off KZbin.

[@raysat7256]

My child was flicking the channels and this came up. Shivers down my spine.

[@TheBeardedGentleman]

I know I’m a rare breed. A hockey fan in Arizona. Even before the Coyotes were here, as a kid, I was captivated by hockey. My first team was the Penguins and I’ve been here ever since. This theme music was an absolute icon as a kid watching those games. I’m incredibly happy that it’s back!

[@anthonyreed3531]

Welcome back old friend

[@mymuzic707]

I got chills the entire video. Brings back so many memories growing up watching NHL on ESPN.

[@damienchance2622]

Me too I remember Detroit/Colorado game in 97 and it was crazy

[@WatchMeEDC]

Oh man I got goosebumps at the 5:06 mark! The man, the myth, the legend, Barry! Great video ESPN. Long live Gary Thorne calling games and the glory days of the NHL on the ESPN2

[@damienchance2622]

I wish they had ESPN 2 again with ESPN

[@juliangarcia1221]

One of the best sports songs of all time

[@respect_the_curv]

THE BEST!

[@stevenwilson6587]

This gives me goosebumps. This theme song brings me back.

[@randomhumor1]

Nothing will beat the classic Saturday Night theme on CBC.

[@americangiant1003]

True. However this is a damn also legendary hockey theme here in the US as well.

[@jasynzangari1921]

the Hockey Night in Canada these song from CBC is iconic...never heard this in my life

[@americangiant1003]

Jasyn if you are under the of say ages 19-20 living in Canada then you are probably too young to remember this theme. CBC used to simulcast select ESPN 1st round games from the US so if you was around in the 90's/early 2000's you would have heard it.

[@dharper3619]

Gary Thorne, got me at SHOT SAVE Ritcher in 94!!!! As a brotha, I love watching Hockey, after understanding the game. The best sport for me hands down!!!! Thorne was the Very Best

[@MarkoFavre]

If you want to hear an iconic theme, bring back ESPN Speedworld.

[@joekaput747]

A theme that makes the phrase "On ESPN" seem like it has meaning, an incredible weight, even if the network now is not nearly the same as what it used to be

[@JeremiahAKAtheSportsBeard]

😭😭😭🥺😭😭😭😭😂 incredible I’ve watched this like 400 times I ball my ass off every time. So happy it’s back on ESPN!

[@richardfung9540]

This just put the biggest smile on my face!

[@damienchance2622]

Me too

[@SecretofSquare]

Amazing clip, really well done. ESPN's NHL theme song is right at the top with Hockey Night in Canada's original theme. So signature...

[@matthewkneitel5783]

That was the best thing ever. I was hoping you would do something like this!!!!

[@MMA-mh9uv]

yeah the theme brings me right back to my childhood watching hockey with my dad. Glad the NBC era is over.

[@damienchance2622]

Yes...they should bring back the NBA on NBC

[@TheDahype]

Yeah this video and NHL on ESPN rock! 🏒🏒🏒

[@nathanbrice9090]

This is so awesome every single time I watch it.

[@2pacalypse25]

Been watching hockey all my Life never heard this theme ever. Must be American

[@MarkOneFilms]

So glad to hear this again! Literally brings chills down the spine.

[@L_Train]

Literally? You better go to a doctor...or an English teacher

[@cssflames1691]

man i just remember this jam on all the old nhl games. god the redwings were so good

[@jameslannon9788]

The Canadian equivalent would be the Hockey Night in Canada theme.... the orginal and the new .... Both give me chills when I hear them. Memories flood back from my childhood when I hear the original and now the new one gives me the same feelings.

[@willsterry6395]

I freaking loved that song growing up so happy to hear it again!!

[@shawnheidingsfelder8179]

One of the biggest mistakes ESPN made was letting go of hockey broadcasting. I don't know if getting it back fixes all of the wrongs, but it's nice that the largest sports network shows games from one of the largest sports leagues in the world again.

[@scuba5teve149]

amen!!

[@damienchance2622]

Amen

[@Irishmahn87]

But you know why they did right? There was no end to lockout in sight, ESPN was not gonna offer up money to the NHL for broadcast rights when the sport wasn’t going to be played

[@jkoslowe]

I hear that theme in my sleep, with Gary Thorne's voice calling the Devils Stanley Cup Champions

[@LeoLarrosa1987]

Chills bro

[@maxsalazar3422]

Definitely NOT crying like a baby- so many memories! This is the best theme in sports!

[@niravc10]

So many goosebumps when this song would come on

[@kieferclarkf1674]

Thank you espn. This is the best thing I've seen in a while.

[@jackharrist8180]

that was absolutely amazing...until i heard Stephen A Smith's voice at the end.

[@seanburns855flip]

Agreed

[@jemsmay2167]

And Justin Biebers voice at the beginning…

[@southpaw788]

CBC hockey night in Canada vintage theme song is my favorite.

[@Esydow13]

hit me in the feels

[@binnins1982]

Have tears in my eyes already and the game hasnt even started yet lol! Good luck to all and stay safe. #NHLonESPN

[@stevenwilson6587]

I hear you

[@karlc2869]

My Top 13 sport oriented themes are Roundball Rock (NBA on NBC), The Hockey Theme (HNIC), the 1984-1989 NBA on TBS theme, the 1995-1997 NFL on NBC theme, the 1987-present CBS college football theme, the 1992-present NCAA on CBS theme, Heavy Action (MNF on ABC), the 1986-1989 NFL on CBS "Pots and Pans" theme, the 1990-1992 and 1993-1998 WWF WrestleMania themes, the 1990-1993 MLB on CBS theme, the 1986-1989 MLB on NBC theme, the 1991-1992 WWF Royal Rumble theme and of course, the 1992-2004 and 2021-present NHL on ESPN theme.

[@binnins1982]

@@karlc2869 glad i read this again lol! Was gonna say nhl on eapn cant come close to competeing with the theme from Magnum P.I.( best theme in all of tv imo) lol!

[@karlc2869]

Don't forget the themes for Miami Vice, Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, The A-Team, Kojak, The Incredible Hulk and Adam-12.

[@binnins1982]

@@karlc2869 i'll agree on five-o and raise you CSI: NY lol!

[@omarchavez2065]

90's hockey was so amazing!!

[@efrap4447]

That was the anthem for hockey 😭😭😭. Glad it’s back !!

[@SupplementalSense]

I watched lots of hockey in the 90's. I think it was Wednesday nights if I remember correctly. I had totally forgotten about this tune but always seemed like hockey had been missing something over the past 15 years or so. Now I know what it was. I love it!

[@_thebearden_]

It brings a smile to my face to hear this theme again!

[@eusdawb]

Brings back so many memories of the Stars' 99 Cup run. I even recorded the theme on my tape recorder back in the day and included it on a mix tape I made from that run. Good times.

[@djmohab2]

no goal

[@Mr152008]

I'm a bit of a younger hockey fan. Not gonna lie, the first time I heard this was while watching the movie Sudden Death with Jean Claude Van Damme. I instantly realized that the musical interlude was nothing but epic & I could never understand why it usage was lost. *Glad it's making a comeback!* 🏒🚨

[@shab8182]

welp, just found my new custom alarm clock buzzer. every morning shall now kick butt :)

[@christopher_loren]

Greatest sports theme ever made...so many memories between ESPN and NHL 2k5 as a kid. So happy it's back.

[@gevorkgk]

Goosebumps.....every fuckin time

[@dumbcow1]

Love this song, also loved NBCs hockey song too.... both scores really are some of the best in all of sports.

[@LennysComet]

thanks espn, because of you i get to have multiple streaming services for hockey games...

[@BSmokeyGaming]

This brought tears to my eyes and I'm not a huge hockey fan, I occasionally watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs occasionally cause that's more watchable than the NBA Playoffs. If somehow someway the NBA returns back to NBC that will make me cry even more. If NHL returns back to ESPN then so can the NBA on NBC, ESPN/ABC just ruins the NBA imo.

[@2009blahblah]

The nba will not feel the same til they get rid of the rules that ruin defense. Just go watch a game on youtube of the old nbc days. Then watch a game now days. Today's basketball is nothing more then a free throw shooting contest. I cant even watch it. It litterally puts me in a bad mood

[@AlanFernandoGamino]

Yep! I'm with you as always

[@karlc2869]

Well, I got an idea: The NBA should air on CBS and NBC as well as TBS and all 3 networks should alternate the NBA Finals, NBA All-Star Game and Conference Finals every year just like ABC and NBC did with the World Series, MLB All-Star Game and League Championship Series from 1976-1989 as well as the current NCAA and NHL television contracts between CBS, TBS, TNT and Disney-ABC/ESPN if CBS, NBC and TBS decided to acquire the NBA.

[@AlanFernandoGamino]

@@karlc2869 I believe it, when I see it.

[@karlc2869]

@Fries Nope after Jordan retired for the final time in 2003.

[@daboys1215]

NHL returns home. Welcome back.

[@cfan2980]

Man I have missed that song

[@Regel2008]

God bless they returned to the classic nhl on espn theme. Brings back memories 😭

[@danielclark9926]

The NHL On ESPN. Love the theme song. Get you ready for action on the ice.

[@djhollaback]

Just gave me the chills listening to the composition. Sheesh

[@RegginaldRiglet]

Absolute Chills

[@Pokerdude38]

"Off the floor, ON THE BOARD!!!" has to be one of the greatest hockey calls of all time

[@Redshirt434]

Welcome back, childhood memories!

[@coreyheaward9713]

Chills the entire time.

[@seanburns855flip]

This piece is legendary

[@apenvose]

😭😭😭 it's beautiful

[@chrisguardiano6143]

This theme plus "Roundball Rock" by John Tesh for the NBA on NBC are the themes that defined my childhood. I am glad that this theme is back and hopefully we get Roundball Rock back in 2024 for NBA games (we will definitely hear it during the Paris Olympics) if NBC can regain the NBA rights.

[@americangiant1003]

Chris never say never but not confident NBC can ever get the NBA at least in near future. Especially since NBC's Owners Comcast spending close to $1 Trillion Dollars (not a misprint)combined in last few years for both every Olympics Winter & Summer until the year 2032. Plus resigning for NFL Sunday Night games, plus a couple of early round Playoff games & a couple of Super Bowl as well. Only way I can see it as if say NBC or CBS shares rights with TNT/TBS (similar to how CBS and TBS/TNT share NCAA Basketball TV rights)to get back at least 1/2 of the US NBA TV contract.

[@larryvaughan1221]

Absolute coolest video ever!!! What a great theme song!!!

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

The "Hockey Night In Canada" theme music is so much better. LOL

[@Benheart10]

I loved seeing NHL tonight! and that theme song was and is awesome!

[@hcdavoscool]

That Drew Doughty smile at the end 😊