Every hockey team needs a goal song. Whether it’s the NHL, minor leagues, college, junior or youth level, nothing gets a group of hockey players fired more than a strong celebration tune.
That’s no difference at the 4 Nations Face-Off. It may only be a short tournament, but every team has a specific tune to play whenever they light the lamp, and the USA’s may sound incredibly familiar.
The tune that will be blasted over the speakers at the Bell Centre in Montreal and at the TD Garden in Boston will be a recognizable tune. Not only is it a popular song, but it has a recent connection to USA Hockey that diehard puck fans will enjoy.
So what is the USA’s goal song for the 4 Nations Face-Off? The Sporting News explains.
4 NATIONS FACE-OFF HQ
What is the USA’s goal song at 4 Nations Face-Off?
The USA’s goal song at the 4 Nations Face-Off is “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Ahead of the team’s opener against Finland, USA Hockey teased that “Free Bird” was making its return for the red, white and blue. It won’t officially be heard until the first USA goal is scored.
Headphones on – Free Bird is BACK 🦅 #4Nations pic.twitter.com/FLt5kKhtjd
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2025
The hit rock song from 1974 is a staple of American rock history. “Free Bird” consists of one of the greatest guitar solos of all time and is considered to be Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most popular song. The solo was written and performed by founding band member Allen Collins.
Why is ‘Free Bird’ the USA’s goal song?
The current American superstars in hockey have the rising stars of the USA to thank for the song.
At the 2025 World Juniors, the USA elected to go with “Free Bird” as the team’s goal song. On the World Juniors stage, it’s not uncommon for nations to switch songs year after year for the tournament, so the Americans opted to go with the Lynyrd Skynyrd jam in 2025.
It was a smashing success. “Free Bird” helped propel the USA past Canada on New Year’s Eve en route to a Group A win, and it was blaring over the speakers in Ottawa when Teddy Stiga scored the golden goal in overtime against Finland to secure back-to-back gold medals for the USA.
TEDDY STIGA SCORES THE GOLDEN GOAL 🚨
TEAM USA WINS BACK TO BACK GOLD MEDALS!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/dkUcdLjRGB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 6, 2025
COLE HUTSON DOES IT HIMSELF 🔥
1-0 USA.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/1xn9B2lDgq
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 1, 2025
MORE 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF
‘Free Bird’ lyrics
If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on, now
‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see
But if I stay here with you, girl
Things just couldn’t be the same
‘Cause I’m as free as a bird now
And this bird you cannot change
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
And the bird you cannot change
And this bird you cannot change
Lord knows I can’t change
Bye-bye, baby, it’s been a sweet love, yeah-yeah
Though this feeling I can’t change
But, please, don’t take it so badly
‘Cause Lord knows I’m to blame
But, if I stay here with you, girl
Things just couldn’t be the same
‘Cause I’m as free as a bird now
And this bird you cannot change
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
And the bird you cannot change
And this bird you cannot change
Lord knows I can’t change
Lord, help me, I can’t change
Lord, I can’t change
Won’t you fly high, free bird, yeah
