During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, NBC reignited nostalgia among hockey fans by bringing back its famous NHL on NBC theme music for the USA men’s hockey team’s opening game against Latvia. This revival of the classic tune, closely linked to NBC’s previously extensive NHL coverage, struck a chord as audiences prepared to watch the highly anticipated Olympic hockey match.
Fan Reactions Highlight Emotional Connection
The return of the NHL on NBC theme prompted a wave of comments from viewers on social media, many expressing fond memories and longing for the network’s former role in NHL broadcasting. NBC Sports even acknowledged the revival on Twitter, confirming the classic theme’s presence during their Olympic coverage.
🎶 FIRE ME UP, I LOVE THIS SONG 🎶
— NBC Sports
Numerous fans shared their emotional responses to hearing the theme once again. Several recalled legendary broadcaster Doc Emrick, whose voice was commonly heard following the music during NHL on NBC broadcasts, underscoring the deep ties the tune has to the network’s hockey legacy.
I’m not going to lie, when this popped up before the game and I heard the NHL on NBC song I did start crying.
I miss Doc Emrick, I miss NBCSN, I miss their graphics, and I miss my childhood.
I’d give anything to have the NHL back on NBC.
— Jason Greenberg
Legacy of NBC’s NHL Coverage Appreciated
Fans also reflected on the unique respect NBC showed the NHL during their 16 years of coverage, which ended before the 2021-22 season when media rights moved to ESPN and TNT Sports. Some emphasized how NBC treated every game with important attention, contrasting it with the current broadcasts.
Say what you want about the NBC era, it had its flaws for sure… but it’s hard to find another network that truly cares about the quality of product specifically for the NHL the same way NBC cared for it.
Every game felt like the most important game of the season.
— Cameron Riggers
Others voiced their nostalgic appreciation:
oh man, the NHL on NBC theme…how am I already waxing nostalgic about @NBCSportsHockey
— Zach Halverson
Shout out to @NBCOlympics for using the NHL on NBC theme for the game. 👏 👏 👏 #TeamUSA #MilanCortina2026
— Erik Pessolano
They played the NHL on NBC theme before the USA game man I could cry real tears
— Gabe KellerWX
Implications for NHL Broadcasting and Future Coverage
After losing NHL rights to ESPN and TNT Sports, NBC’s revival of the hockey theme at the Winter Olympics has sparked renewed discussion about whether the network might someday regain NHL broadcasting privileges. The current media rights agreement, which expires in 2028, has already seen early renewal talks reportedly initiated by the NHL with ESPN and TNT.
The example of the NBA on NBC theme’s recent return via the celebrated “Roundball Rock” soundtrack offers hope that the NHL on NBC theme could experience a similarly official revival in future seasons, potentially reconnecting older fans with beloved traditions and invigorating the presentation of NHL hockey once again.
🎶 FIRE ME UP, I LOVE THIS SONG 🎶
Yes, that IS the classic NBC hockey theme song you're hearing during our coverage of the #WinterOlympics. pic.twitter.com/DtunUoJeTE
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 12, 2026
The old #NHLonNBC theme music makes a cameo return in the tease of the United States vs Latvia hockey match at the Milan Cortina Olympics airing on USA Network… 🔊🏒 #Hockey #NHL pic.twitter.com/QmnoaUySAl
— CTreySports (@CTreySports) February 12, 2026
I’m not going to lie, when this popped up before the game and I heard the NHL on NBC song I did start crying.
I miss Doc Emrick, I miss NBCSN, I miss their graphics, and I miss my childhood.
I’d give anything to have the NHL back on NBC. https://t.co/5o1ncCsuDQ
— Jason Greenberg (@JGreenberg11) February 13, 2026
Say what you want about the NBC era, it had its flaws for sure… but it’s hard to find another network that truly cares about the quality of product specifically for the NHL the same way NBC cared for it.
Every game felt like the most important game of the season. https://t.co/k03wvBKVzh
— Cameron Riggers (@CameronRiggers) February 13, 2026
oh man, the NHL on NBC theme…how am I already waxing nostalgic about @NBCSportsHockey
— Zach Halverson (@ZachHalverson) February 12, 2026
Shout out to @NBCOlympics for using the NHL on NBC theme for the game. 👏 👏 👏 #TeamUSA #MilanCortina2026
— Erik Pessolano (@erikpessolano) February 12, 2026
They played the NHL on NBC theme before the USA game man I could cry real tears
— Gabe KellerWX (@GKellerwx) February 12, 2026
