The chorus can send shivers down the spine of any Canadian, even in the middle of the winter. "The Hockey Song", by Stompin' Tom Connors, is as Canadian as Hockey Night In Canada or a steaming cup of Timmies.
"The good old hockey game, is the best game you can name," the song's famous chorus goes. (See full lyrics below.)
In the message posted on his website, Connors says Canada kept him "inspired with its beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world.''
Connors had other popular songs, including "Sudbury Saturday Night."
"The Hockey Song" first appeared in Connors' 1973 album, but only the 1990s did it become popular. We've compiled some of his hits, including an appearance on the Conan O'Brien Show when the U.S. TV host visited Toronto. The performance got the crowd on its feet as Connors sang and stomped his way through the tune.
See the lyrics of the song below the slideshow
Hello out there, we're on the air, it's 'Hockey Night' tonight.
Tension grows, the whistle blows, and the puck goes down the ice.
The goalie jumps, and the players bump, and the fans all go insane.
Someone roars, "Bobby Scores!" at the good old Hockey Game.
Oh, the good old hockey game, is the best game you can name.
And the best game you can name, is the good old hockey game.
Second period.
Where players dash, with skates aflash, the home team trails behind.
But they grab the puck, and go bursting up, and they're down across the line.
They storm the crease, like bumble bees, they travel like a burning flame.
We see them slide, the puck inside, it's a 1-1 hockey game.
(Chorus)
Third Period. Last game of the playoff too.
Oh take me where, the hockey players, face off down the rink.
And the Stanley Cup, is all filled up, for the champs who win the drink.
Now the final flick, of a hockey stick, and the one gigantic scream.
"The puck is in! The home team wins!", the good old hockey game.
(Chorus)