Information/Write-up
Few pieces of music are so deeply embedded in a nation's consciousness as The Hockey Theme. Since 1968, Dolores Claman’s rousing composition has heralded Saturday nights across Canada, becoming a ritual as familiar as the game itself. Dubbed “Canada’s Second National Anthem,” the theme is more than just a television jingle — it’s a sonic symbol of national pride.
In 2008, fans were finally given the long-overdue opportunity to own a definitive version with the first official standalone release of The Hockey Theme. Overseen directly by Claman herself as Executive Producer, the project set out to capture the spirit of the original recording while offering pristine modern sound.
Arranger and conductor Rick Wilkins, a veteran of Canada's jazz and session scenes, assembled an all-star 21-piece orchestra, featuring legends like Rob McConnell, Guido Basso, and Peter Appleyard. Wilkins meticulously transcribed Claman’s original arrangement, ensuring that every nuance, every brass swell, and every rhythmic hit landed exactly as fans remember — only bigger, cleaner, and more vibrant.
The Opening Theme bursts out of the speakers with the familiar power and urgency that defined generations of hockey broadcasts. The Closing Big Band March, meanwhile, stretches out with a cool, swinging flair, especially during the standout bridge section at 0:45 — a moment longtime fans will instantly recognize and appreciate.
Captured at McClear/Digital Studios and polished with expert mixing and mastering by John Ciccone and Peter Moore, the recording honors its past while taking full advantage of modern studio fidelity. Every trombone glissando, every timpani roll, and every triumphant trumpet blast is rendered in vivid detail, yet without losing the charm of the original.
More than just a nostalgic reissue, this CD stands as a labor of love from Claman and everyone involved. It’s also a piece of Canadian history — a reminder of how one short piece of music became inseparable from the country’s cultural fabric.
Portions of the proceeds from the release also went toward supporting minor hockey and music education, a fitting tribute to a song that continues to inspire new generations.
Simply put, this release is essential listening — not only for hockey fans, but for anyone who understands the power of music to unite a nation.
-Robert Williston
"Considered by many to be ‘Canada’s Second National Anthem’, The Hockey Theme is one of the longest running themes in broadcasting history. Heard coast-to-coast by millions on CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada™ since 1968, fans have always wanted their own piece of Canadiana. Now it’s here... the first official release! Many efforts were made to bring you a performance that’s true to the original version that so many have asked for."
Dolores Claman, the original composer (and one of Canada’s finest) was involved in every step of the recording as Executive Producer.
Rick Wilkins, arranger and conductor, pulled together an all-star lineup of 21 of the best musicians around. Rick meticulously transcribed from old recordings, and it all came together in fresh, new, exciting sounds captured at McClear/Digital Studios.
The Opening is the powerhouse heard at the start of every game. The Closing Big Band March has the very popular, very cool bridge at :45 seconds in.
Thank you for supporting independent productions and Canadian history.
Portions of the proceeds will also assist minor hockey and music education.
Rob McConnell: trombone
Guido Basso: trumpet
Peter Appleyard: bongos
Steve McDade: trumpet
John Macleod: trumpet
Vern Dorge: flute
Bob Livingston: trombone
Joan Watson: French horn
Brian Barlow: drums/percussion
Dave Dunlop: trumpet
Nicole Alexander: French horn
James McDonald: French horn
Gary Pattison: French horn
Ernie Pattison: trombone
Les Ault: piccolo
Andy Morris: snare drum/claves
Scott Alexander: bass guitar
Scott Irvine: tuba
Roger Flock: timpani
Al Kaye: trombone
Mark Duggan: chimes
Composed by Dolores Claman
Produced by John Ciccone
Arranged and conducted by Rick Wilkins
Re-mixed by John Ciccone and Peter Moore
Mastered by Peter Moore
Exec Producer: Dolores Claman
McClear / Digital Recording Studios:
Engineered by Michael Banton-Jones
1st Ass't Engineer: Paul Talbot
2nd Ass't Engineer: Shawn Desmarais
Original Arranger 1968: Jerry Toth
Copyist: Martin Loomer
Special thank you:
John LaRocque - Ring Music
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