The song that's been synonymous with NHL hockey for decades has had a small makeover. But those that have heard the latest version say it's still a Canadian classic.
The newest version was recorded by 54 members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and will have its debut on TSN on Oct. 14.
The re-recorded song has a bit more percussion and it's been given a new name. It's now simply called "The Hockey Theme."
The song was written in 1968 by Dolores Claman and had been associated with CBC's Hockey Night in Canada for 40 years. But the network announced earlier this summer that it could not reach a deal with the song's copyright holders.
CTV was able to strike a deal for the song's rights.
"I'm so grateful for the care that CTV has exercised in this first class restoration of the song," composer Dolores Claman told TSN.ca.
"They have treated me as a member of their family. I'm so pleased to see that the song is now in the hands of people that cherish it."
The song will now be heard in NHL broadcasts on TSN and RDS. CTV will also air the song as part of its hockey coverage during the 2010 Olympic winter games.
"There is absolutely no substitute for this national treasure. We are thrilled to bring "The Hockey Theme" back to Canadians from coast-to-coast with a classic version that fully embraces the spirit of its original creation," Rick Brace, president of Revenue, Business Planning and Sports at CTV Inc. said.
"We've taken great pride in blending the heritage of the song with the best digital technology available, creating a stunning rendition sure to resonate with hockey fans across the country."
