NBC Revives Classic 'NHL on NBC' Theme for 2026 Olympic Hockey Coverage

The network's nostalgic move sparks joy among longtime NHL fans.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approached, NBC made a surprising decision to revive the iconic 'NHL on NBC' theme music that was once closely associated with the network's NHL coverage from 2005 to 2021. The move triggered a wave of nostalgia among fans who fondly remember the network's storytelling-driven broadcasts and the voice of legendary play-by-play commentator Doc Emrick.

Why it matters

NBC's decision to bring back the classic 'NHL on NBC' theme highlights the enduring appeal and significance of that era of hockey coverage for many fans. The theme music and broadcast style became closely tied to some of the league's most memorable moments, so its return ahead of the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament taps into that sense of nostalgia and familiarity.

The details

NBC served as the national broadcast home of the NHL in the United States from 2005 to 2021, airing regular-season games, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Winter Classic matchups. The network's coverage was known for its storytelling-driven approach, high-quality camerawork, and the distinctive voice of play-by-play commentator Doc Emrick. The 'NHL on NBC' theme music was a integral part of that viewing experience for over a decade.

  • NBC revived the 'NHL on NBC' theme music moments before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey tournament on February 12, 2026.
  • NBC was the national broadcast partner for the NHL in the United States from 2005 to 2021.

The players

NBC

The American television network that served as the national broadcast partner for the NHL in the United States from 2005 to 2021.

Doc Emrick

The legendary play-by-play commentator whose voice became closely associated with NBC's NHL coverage during the network's 16-year run with league rights.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen if NBC will continue to incorporate more elements of its classic 'NHL on NBC' identity into its coverage of the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament.

The takeaway

NBC's decision to revive the iconic 'NHL on NBC' theme music for its 2026 Olympic hockey coverage taps into the enduring nostalgia and significance of that era of the network's hockey broadcasting. For many fans, the theme and broadcast style became inseparable from some of the sport's most memorable moments, making its return a welcome blast from the past.