In a recent episode of Marek vs. Wyshynski, the two hosts were asked what style of music is most like hockey. When I heard the question I thought "Punk rock" because this is the only legitimate answer in my opinion. Hockey is all about raw energy, it is disrespectful and often violent. In hockey ugly goals count as well as the nice ones, and in punk rock you can put some nice touches, but the loud, fast, and slightly-off songs just count as much.
Some punk rock bands very explicitly state their fondness of hockey. Whether it's the Misfits' Jerry Only singing how he wants to be a New York Ranger, or The Hextalls stating how they specifically don't want to be that. How the Dropkick Murphys sing songs specifically for and about the Boston Bruins, or The Boils do the same for the Philadelphia Flyers. D.O.A. playing some yuppies in a music video for a cover of "Takin' care of business"? All about that.
So this brings me to the one point where in an NHL game, music and hockey most overtly intersect: The Goal Song. Whenever a team scores a goal in its home arena, the PA system starts playing a specific song in celebration. Many teams even use songs specifically written for that purpose, and a lot of debate is given about merits of each team's goal song in comparison to each other.
For a long time, the Flyers used Bro Hymn Tribute by Pennywise, and as a fan of punk rock that just made me happy. It's not the most sophisticated song in the world, but is it ever fun to song the "whoaaaaaaa-whoaaaa-a-aaaaaa" parts after a goal is scored. The Legend, as told by Andrew Ference, is that Todd Fedoruk was the guy who popularized the song around the league. The Ducks still use the song today.
Unfortunately, the Flyers have chose to abandon the Bro Hymn and have been hopping around different songs ever since. Whether it's DOOP, lighting mups, or the abomination of a song they are currently using and are rightfully admonished for, nothing seems to stick.
However, there is one really good answer for what the quest for a new goal song for the Flyers, and you can find it once again in punk rock: Rise Above by Black Flag.
Not only is it an ingenious little pun ("Flyers" need to "rise above", get it?) but the lyrics in and off themselves are perfect for the team. A song about nonconformity, about "us vs. them" mentality, about overcoming adversity and about simply showing people up. It is the Flyers hockey mentality of the team and their fans all in one package.
The song is just too perfect for the team, and it's a shame that it isn't already in use.
It's also not like Philadelphia crowds are unfamiliar with the tune. As recently as last year the song has been used in commercials for Philadelphia Union games, and the song has also been covered by Philadelphia based hardcore punk band Kid Dynamite (though I'd prefer the original because I like it better).
Lastly I want to acknowledge the Punk Rock and Hockey podcast Up The Pucks. I really, really want you guys to go back and start recording new episodes again.
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