Music has the power to label random occurrences as memories. Music played at sports events allows the connection between the fanbase and the game itself. Whether this be watching the game on TV or in person, specific events can become memories, boosted through the power of music. A home run, a goal, or a touchdown would feel much different celebrated with music compared to without music. The choice of music is usually upbeat and high-energy, which adds to the excitement of that exact moment. Specifically, hockey arenas are a special place in terms of celebratory music. The chosen music blares throughout the enclosed arena when a goal is scored, and the crowd goes wild, leaving an echo of celebration. Every person in the stadium feels an instant sense of accomplishment as a fan and a rush of excitement that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

The sense of pride fans have toward their city’s hockey team is only amplified by their excitement of a singular goal song that is unique to each team. These songs become synonymous with the team and their fans, and hearing them outside of the game setting causes fans to relate back to their team and moments such as this song being played after a crucial goal. Fans establish this pride through a sense of community and fellowship. Evan Dickinson, a hockey influencer, explains that goal songs “bring more excitement to the games.” Dickinson also enjoys the difference in goal songs between teams. He says, “The variety and creativity of them is fun, really hypes up the crowd.” The goal songs allow people to be brought closer together. When a team scores a goal, everyone in the arena is cheering, singing, and chanting along to the song. It’s a unique unifying experience that brings all fans from different backgrounds together. David Wagstaff, a hockey operations manager, explains that these songs could also do harm to the opposing fans and team. He explains, “The worst thing is being down five to nothing and hearing a goal sound.” He elaborates that they can be used to “taunt the other fans and other players” of the opposing team.

Specific songs are so nostalgic people beg for them back. Dickinson asks for the return of Feel The Shake, a previous goal song for the Flyers. Wagstaff hopes for the return of the nostalgic Brass Bonanza, the Hartford Whalers’ goal song, which is played in one game a season on a special event night with their current team, the Carolina Hurricanes. There are other goal songs that are not as loved, such as the Islanders’ Crowd Chant and the Sharks’ Get Ready for This.

Whether you are a diehard fan or just someone who appreciates a good song, there’s no denying the power of a hockey goal song. Travel to a local sports complex in your city and experience the sense of community and life brought to the game through music. Maybe, you’ll turn on the radio, and a song played at the game comes on!

Sources:

https://theathletic.com/4336906/2023/03/24/nhl-goal-songs-rankings/
>https://theathletic.com/4336906/2023/03/24/nhl-goal-songs-rankings/
https://fansided.com/2020/04/09/best-nhl-goal-horns-songs-all-time/3/
https://fansided.com/2020/04/09/best-nhl-goal-horns-songs-all-time/3/
https://forums.hfboards.com/threads/quebec-nordiques-goal-song-in-1994-95-not-lets-go-nordiques.2772447/
https://forums.hfboards.com/threads/quebec-nordiques-goal-song-in-1994-95-not-lets-go-nordiques.2772447

iceTunes: Florida Panthers Rolling Out Individual Goal Songs

iceTunes: Florida Panthers Rolling Out Individual Goal Songs