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Soundtrack on the Ice: NHL Teams’ Theme Songs

Writer's picture: Avery WildesAvery Wildes

Updated: Jan 29

Written by Avery Wildes

Courtesy of On Tap Sports Net
Courtesy of On Tap Sports Net

Have you ever wondered what your favorite team’s theme song would be? Every team has its iconic goal song, but not all songs are everyday listenable. Here’s a playlist of every NHL team’s “theme song” (in my opinion)! If you like the playlist and want all of your songs in the same place: Soundtrack on the Ice


1. Anaheim Ducks: “Pyramids”, Frank Ocean

While it’s tempting to pick “We Will Rock You” by Queen (we will, we will, quack you), I think “Pyramids” by Frank Ocean captures youthful and vibrant culture within the team and city.


2. Boston Bruins: “Gangsta’s Paradise”, Coolio

The Boston Bruins are known for their physicality and aggression. Every player on the Bruins is constantly ready to drop gloves. Their on and off ice grit perfectly embodies “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio. 


3. Buffalo Sabres: “Mr. Brightside”, The Killers

The Buffalo Sabres are a perfect blend of fun and angst. Buffalo fans are some of the most dedicated fans in any sports league. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers captures the Sabres’ atmosphere.


4. Calgary Flames: “Ring of Fire”, Johnny Cash

The Calgary Flames are blue collar and gritty. The Flames have a traditional play-style and culture. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash is a perfect fit.


5. Carolina Hurricanes: “Tom Sawyer”, Rush

The Carolina Hurricanes are disciplined and hard-working. The Hurricanes’ roster is ready and determined to win. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush captures their fans and team’s character. 


6. Chicago Blackhawks: “Homecoming”, Kanye

The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the most iconic teams in the league with an incredibly loyal fan base. Chicago’s ups and downs and loyal culture embodies “Homecoming” by Kanye West. 


7. Colorado Avalanche: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, Marvin Gaye

The Colorado Avalanche has been consistently good for a while now. The last time they missed the playoffs was in 2017. Proving that there “ain’t no mountain high enough” in Colorado for the Avalanche. Making Colorado’s song, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye.


8. Columbus Blue Jackets: “Dream On”, Aerosmith

The Columbus Blue Jackets have always been the underdogs of the NHL. Despite that, the team continues to pull off big wins and show potential. “Dream On” by Aerosmith resembles the optimism and determination of the team and fanbase.


9. Dallas Stars: “Texas”, BigXthaPlug

Courtesy of Last Word on Sports
Courtesy of Last Word on Sports

The Dallas Stars are intimidating and persistent, just like their city. If your team is playing the stars soon, all I have to say is good luck! “Texas” by BigXthaPlug embodies their Texan culture and intimidating style of play.



10. Detroit Red Wings: “DNA”, Kendrick Lamar

Detroit Red Wings are energetic and prideful of their city and team. Detroit has some of the most passionate and die-hard fans in the league. The Red Wings fuel off of their fanbase, vice versa. “DNA” by Kendrick Lamar embodies the team and fans. 


11. Edmonton Oilers: “Can’t Stop”, Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Edmonton Oilers are best known for their top-tier rosters. From Wayne Gretsky to Connor McDavid, Edmonton has had stars for years. The Oilers are comfortable with being at the top and do what it takes to get there, “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers resembles that.


12. Florida Panthers: “Adventure of a Lifetime”, Coldplay

Last summer was a Florida Panthers summer, with them winning the stanley cup, you couldn’t help but notice the positivity and excitement within the fanbase and team. I mean the city is literally named “Sunshine”. “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay captures that positive culture.


13. Los Angeles Kings: “California Love”, Tupac

Come on, do I need to explain? It’s Los Angeles! The Kings are a fun and passionate team. They do playoff hockey like no other team in the league. “California Love” by Tupac perfectly fits their vibe.

14. Minnesota Wild: “Sail”, AWOLNATION

The Minnesota Wild is a committed and intense team. With immense amounts of talent, the Wild is always ready to fight and win. “Sail” by AWOLNATION embodies their fans and team’s determination.

15. Montreal Canadiens: “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac

The Montreal Canadiens are similar to the Wild. They are committed and ready to give it their all to win. The Canadiens are a very impressive team and have been for a while now. “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac resembles their climb back up to the top.


16. Nashville Predators: “Tennessee Whiskey”, Chris Stapleton

The Nashville Predators embody southern culture perfectly. They’re fun-loving but driven. There is no better song for Nashville than “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton.


17. New Jersey Devils: “Vienna”, Billy Idol

The New Jersey Devils have a roster full of young talent. The Devils are determined to keep improving and chasing wins, despite their challenges. “Vienna” by Billy Idol resembles that go-getter culture within the team and city itself.


18. New York Islanders: “Run This Town”, JAY-Z

The Islanders are often thought of as the underdogs in New York (compared to the Rangers). Despite that stereotype, the team is full of talent and determination to win it big. “Run This Town” by JAY-Z captures that culture.


19. New York Rangers: “Empire State of Mind”, JAY-Z

Not only does “Empire State of Mind” by JAY-Z embody New York, it also embodies the Rangers’ consistent winning-streaks and larger-than-life culture. 


20. Ottawa Senators: “The Middle”, Jimmy Eat World

The Ottawa Senators is a team who has gone through lots of highs and lows. Despite this, their fanbase is committed to watching them win it big again. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World resembles their team and fanbase. 


21. Philadelphia Flyers: “Intergalactic”, Beastie Boys

The Philadelphia Flyers are a fun-loving and exciting team. Everything about the Flyers just screams fun: the fans, the arena, the colors, the mascot, and the play style. “Intergalactic” by the Beastie Boys embodies that culture.


22. Pittsburgh Penguins: “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”, Tears for Fears

The Pittsburgh Penguins are a traditional team all around. Their style of play, team, and aesthetics are all very old-fashioned hockey. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears for Fears matches the tradition and the fans hope to win it big with Crosby one more time.


23. San Jose Sharks: “Can I Kick It?”, A Tribe Called Quest

The San Jose Sharks have a very easy-going and inclusive fan base. On top of that, the Sharks’ roster is full of young players. They are slowly but surely making their way up! “Can I Kick It?” by A Tribe Called Quest captures their vibes perfectly.


24. Seattle Kraken: “In Bloom”, Nirvana

It’d be criminal to not give Seattle Kraken a grunge classic for their theme song. “In Bloom” by Nirvana represents the grunge roots within the city and their team’s edgy style. 


25. St Louis Blues: “My Way”, Frank Sinatra 

It’s only fitting that the St Louis Blues get a Jazz song. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra embodies the Blues climb to the top, as well as their fans and city’s culture. 


26. Tampa Bay Lightning: “Stronger”, Kanye West

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s team is packed with determined players. No matter what you do, the Lightning always seems to come out on top. “Stronger” by Kanye West is the perfect match for the resilient team.


Courtesy of CBC
Courtesy of CBC

27. Toronto Maple Leafs: “9”, Drake

The Toronto Maple Leafs is jam-packed with aggressive, determined, and loyal players. Almost every player on the Maple Leafs shows their appreciation for the city and fans. “9” by Drake represents that culture.




28. Utah Hockey Club: “Go Flex”, Post Malone

The Utah Hockey Club is a brand new and growing team. There’s not much culture so far to go off of, except for their biggest fan, Post Malone. “Go Flex” by Post Malone resembles the easy-going vibe of the city and fans. 


29. Vancouver Canucks: “Every Breath You Take”, The Police

The Vancouver Canucks have one of the most die-hard fans, and always have. Canucks fans are obsessed with their team, and rightfully so. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police is an ode to their committed fans.


30. Vegas Golden Knights: “Fortunate Son”, Creedence Clearwater Revival

The Vegas Golden Knights are controversial and bold. You either love them or you love to hate them. However there’s no denying their talent. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival captures Vegas perfectly.


31. Washington Capitals: “Free Bird”, Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Washington Capitals are a spontaneous and fast-paced team. Since they play in the capital of the US, “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd resembles the on-ice energy and cultural identity of the team.


32. Winnipeg Jets: “Danger Zone”, Kenny Loggins

The Winnipeg Jets are a physical and quick team. They are an intimidating team to go up against due to their packed roster and on-ice skills. “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins represents their team perfectly.



 No matter which team you root for, these songs offer a soundtrack to the highs, lows, and memorable moments of hockey. Whether you’re at the arena or streaming from home, music has a way of amplifying the spirit of the game. Want to hear all the songs together?


Check out Soundtrack on the Ice and let the music take you to center ice.


Edited by Madeleine Meneguzzi



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