On Wednesday night, millions of Canadians tuned in to the last game of the 2007-2008 season. These fans had a choice between the broadcast on NBC and CBC. My family and I have always watched the Canadian broadcast, because like most Canadians, we are used to the familiar voices on ‘Hockey Night In Canada’.
However, we were not ready for the news the following morning. While the story is ongoing, early reports indicate that CBC has decided to stop using the Hockey Night in Canada theme for the 2009 season.
For those who wish to read about this story on their own, you will find the initial article here: http://www.ottawasun.com/News/National/2008/06/05/5782071.html
Song composer, Dolores Claman has also posted a note to fans on her website: http://www.hockeytheme.com/
In the note, she acknowledged the decision by CBC and expressed her gratitude to fans. The story was also featured in the 6 o’clock edition of CityTV news.
Often referred to as “Canada’s Second National Anthem”, this particular theme is even recognizable to those who no nothing about our beloved sport. In fact, I was under the assumption that this song was played for those who passed the Canadian citizenship test. Even if I’m wrong, it’s not a bad suggestion.
I’m sure we all have great stories about the theme when we were kids. I remember sitting in front of the TV humming along because that's the Saturday night pre-game warmup. In particularly big games, you’d call your friends over, but make sure they showed up before the theme started. If you were stuck out in the cold for those extra seconds, you knew why.
The main issue holding up this deal is money. The new contract that was offered to CBC was virtually the same as the old one. CBC would be charged $500.00 whenever the song was used during a broadcast. CBC Sports Executive director Scott Moore suggests that fans should not panic just yet.
The CBC has already released an article denying allegations about rejecting a possible deal. Moore claims that, "we [CBC] have been reaching out to [Claman] and her representative, and haven't heard back. We're prepared to do a deal, we're prepared to talk, but we're not prepared to do a deal at all costs."
Check out the article here:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/06/05/moore-hockeynight-theme.html?ref=rss
If a deal is not resolved, the CBC is planning a nationwide contest to create a new theme for Hockey Night In Canada. Hopefully an agreement is reached because I could not imagine Saturday nights without the 'Dunt- da-DUNT- da-dunt'.
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4 months ago
Ridiculous!
I was listening to the radio here in Winnipeg and they were having a contest on what song could replace it. One was 'The Good Ole Hockey Game' sung by ACDC.
4 months ago
they should keep it!
personally, I have so many memories with the "dunt- da- dunt- da- dunt" song! it is really cool.
and I am sure every fan has its own, as well.
they should definitely keep it ...
4 months ago
I can't think of a more Canadian song than the CBC HNIC song.
IF they do manage to screw it up (it is CBC after all...), TSN should jump on it faster than Bill Clinton with a woman that has a pulse!
As for CBC.... "Good ol' hockey Game" by Stomping Tom would be the 2nd best choice...
4 months ago
i dont even live in canada, yet i know that it would be horrible to get rid of this song
4 months ago
I have a lot of good memories of that theme...and now so does my son. I hope he gets to have more.
4 months ago
What?!? HNIC and that song are synonymous! If nothing else, CBC seems to respect tradition, opening HNIC each Saturday for the last two and a half years with the trademark Foster Hewitt greeting, "Hello Canada and hockey fans and the United States..." Here in the US, ESPN might as well change the theme music to Monday Night Football since we talking about tearing down institutionalized things. And it's what it's always about...money and contracts. Its a SONG people! You do think Francis Scott Key's family is still recieving royalties for the Star Spangled Banner?
4 months ago
THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! The CBC IS FULLY INSANE IF THEY DO THIS! I don't know a single Canadian who doesn't love that theme.
The CBC must hate its own people.
4 months ago
Would be crazy if CBC doesn't keep the song.
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