Music and sports share a dynamic relationship, forming a backdrop that amplifies the excitement and enhances the ambience at games and events.
Hockey is no exception, with its pulse-pounding beats and energizing anthems that resonate through arenas, engaging fans and players alike.
These hockey songs not only set the tone for the games but also become synonymous with the sport itself, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie found on the ice.
On this playlist you will find a mix of some of the favorites from the NHL video games, to some of the goal anthems played by the best teams in the big league.
If you're a fan of the NHL video games you'll know "Joker And The Thief." If you are a part of the one of the great fanbases, like the Boston Bruins, you'll know songs like "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses, or "Back In Black" by AC/DC.
Either way, without further ado, let's dive into this playlist of some great hockey songs!
Our Playlist
To listen to all of the best hockey songs, click here!
Or, read on to learn more about the role of music in hockey!
The Role of Music in Hockey
Music plays a fundamental role in hockey, affecting both the players' psychological state and the overall fan experience. It also helps carry on time-honored traditions through specific anthems.
Psychological Impact on Players
Your performance on the ice can be significantly influenced by the right music.
Hockey pump-up songs before a game or during breaks equip you with the adrenaline rush and focus needed for competition.
These tracks often contain high-energy beats and inspiring lyrics to psych you up.
Key Songs:
"We Will Rock You" by Queen
"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
Enhancing Fan Experience
The atmosphere in a hockey arena is electrified with the use of tailored hockey game songs.
The music selections aim to keep your energy levels high and make every moment memorable, whether it’s the excitement of a goal or the tension of a penalty shot.
Examples:
During gameplay breaks: "Jump Around" by House of Pain
After a goal: A team-specific goal horn followed by a celebratory song
Traditions and Anthems
Every hockey game is steeped in tradition, and anthems have a valued role in your experience.
The national anthem or a team's anthem can unite fans, evoke a sense of pride, and deepen your connection to the game.
National Anthem Protocol:Â It's played before the start of every game.
Team Anthems:Â Some teams have their own unique anthem that becomes a part of the team's identity.
Integrating Music in Hockey Culture
Music has become a staple in modern hockey, enhancing the atmosphere and energizing fans and players alike.
Songs Beyond the Stadium
Your experience with hockey music isn't confined to the arena.
Notable tracks have found their way into popular culture, including video games and movies which feature hockey themes, allowing the sport's energy to resonate with a broader audience.
For instance:
Electronic Arts (EA): Their NHL series of video games often includes a curated soundtrack that becomes part of the hockey season's auditory experience.
Movies: Films like The Mighty Ducks and Miracle feature songs that celebrate hockey culture, making the music synonymous with the sport itself.
By transferring the thrill of the game into various media, these songs maintain the excitement of hockey culture year-round, well beyond the sounds of the stadium.
Creating our Perfect Hockey Playlist
A well-crafted hockey playlist amps up the atmosphere and energizes both players and fans. Our playlist captures the essence of the sport and resonate with the adrenaline of the game.
Elements of a Pregame Playlist
The pregame playlist sets the tone for the faceoff. Key elements to consider:
Energetic Beats:Â Fast tempos and high energy are essential. Songs like "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC and "We Will Rock You" by Queen are time-tested to rev up a crowd.
Motivational Lyrics:Â Choose tracks that have lyrics promoting teamwork and triumph. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor is a classic example.
Cultural relevance:Â Include songs that reflect the local culture or team spirit, like the hometown anthems or team chants.
Hockey warm-up songs:
Warm-up Songs | Reason to Listen |
"Welcome to the Jungle" – Guns N' Roses | Sets an aggressive, competitive mood |
"Lose Yourself" – Eminem | Offers a motivational narrative |
"Let's Get It Started" – Black Eyed Peas | Encourages a strong, energetic start |
Team Anthem | Solidifies team identity and unity |
Energetic Intermission Tracks
Intermissions provide an opportunity to keep momentum. Your choices should:
Sustain the Energy:Â Maintain the high from the game with tracks like "Sandstorm" by Darude and "Get Ready for This" by 2 Unlimited.
Engage Fans:Â Interactive songs that involve clapping or chanting, such as "The Hockey Song" by Stompin' Tom Connors, include the audience in the excitement.
Hockey songs for intermission:
Intermission Tracks | Reasons to Listen |
"Jump Around" – House of Pain | Re-energizes the crowd |
"Cotton Eye Joe" – Rednex | Encourages crowd participation |
"Rock and Roll Part 2" – Gary Glitter | Provides a rhythmic beat for fan chants |
Regional Hit | Maintains local flavor |
Top Hockey Songs
Hockey games are renowned for their vibrant atmosphere, largely created by the music that echoes through the arenas. These songs not only energize the crowd but also become synonymous with the sport itself.
Some songs you might even think of when watching certain hockey players. For example, if you're a Blackhawks fan, you can't help but think of "Chelsea Dagger" when you see Patrick Kane. Whether he's on the team or not, no one has had more electric goals followed by that song than him.
Below, let's take a look at a few examples on this playlist. Without question, you'll find a hockey song that'll be great whether before playing a game, or watching a Stanley Cup Final:
Iconic Hockey Anthems
"Joker and the Thief" by Wolfmother: a high-energy rock anthem that often reverberates through hockey arenas, pumping up the crowd with its infectious rhythm and powerful guitar riffs. Its adrenaline-inducing beat sets the perfect tone for fans and players alike as they gear up for an intense game on the ice.
"Kernkraft 400" by Zombie Nation: a timeless electronic track that has become synonymous with hockey arenas around the world. Its catchy, repetitive melody and pulsating beat create an electrifying atmosphere, energizing fans and instilling a sense of excitement and anticipation as the players take to the ice.
"Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis: a spirited indie rock anthem used by the Chicago Blackhawks that has become a staple in hockey arenas, particularly during goal celebrations. Its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it the perfect song to celebrate victories and get the crowd on their feet, cheering for their favorite team.
"Misery Business" by Paramore: a fierce and empowering rock song that often finds its way into the playlist of hockey arenas. With its driving guitar riffs and anthemic chorus, it serves as a rallying cry for both players and fans, igniting a sense of passion and determination on the ice and in the stands.
"You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates: a feel-good classic used before by the Toronto Maple Leafs that brings a sense of joy and optimism to hockey arenas. Its upbeat melody and infectious lyrics create a festive atmosphere, uniting fans in celebration and cheering on their team to victory.
"We Will Rock You" by Queen: a thunderous anthem that reverberates through hockey arenas, igniting the crowd with its iconic stomp-clap rhythm and powerful vocals. This timeless classic unites fans in a chorus of defiance and solidarity, inspiring a sense of unity and determination as they rally behind their team. With its simple yet commanding lyrics, "We Will Rock You" encapsulates the relentless spirit of hockey, energizing players and spectators alike with its electrifying energy and unwavering passion.
In Conclusion: The Best Hockey Songs
In conclusion, the relationship between music and sports, particularly evident in hockey arenas, amplifies the excitement and camaraderie among fans and players.
From electrifying anthems like "Joker and the Thief," "Kernkraft 400," and "Welcome to the Jungle" by guns n roses, to the empowering lyrics of "Misery Business," each hockey song contributes to the unique atmosphere of hockey games.
Whether it's the familiarity of NHL video game tracks or the team-specific anthems like "Welcome to the Jungle" for the Boston Bruins, these songs have become integral parts of hockey culture, uniting fans across generations and regions.
As we dive into this playlist of great hockey songs, it's evident that crafting the perfect soundtrack is an art form, capable of enhancing the game's tempo and elevating the overall hockey experience for everyone involved.
So, let's keep rocking to the beat of these iconic anthems and celebrate the enduring spirit of hockey, both on and off the ice.
Otherwise, until next Monday, when we'll be back with another great playlist!