Ice Hockey is not just a game. It’s a whole vibe. And Team USA just cranked the energy all the way up with the most elite song choice of the 4 Nations Face-Off. Forget the generic pump-up tracks—Team USA went full throwback mode, and the internet is absolutely here for it.
On February 13, USA Hockey hit fans with a nostalgia bomb, posting, “Headphones on – Free Bird is BACK #4Nations.” One second, the internet was chilling. The next? Absolute chaos. The post, featuring the squad tearing up the ice with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legendary 1973 anthem blaring, exploded with over 800 reposts, thousands of likes, and 190K+ views on X within minutes of the post being made public. Now, let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good classic rock moment?
Headphones on – Free Bird is BACK #4Nations pic.twitter.com/FLt5kKhtjd
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2025
So why Free Bird, you ask? That’s because it’s not just a song—it’s a 9-minute rollercoaster of pure electric energy. And the players? They knew exactly what they were doing. Just last year, the former University of Denver defenseman Zeev Buium (the Minnesota Wild’s 12th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft) spilled the tea: the team wanted something that hit, and during a bus ride brainstorming session, Free Bird was the unanimous pick.
Suggesting a goal song for the USA Hockey, the 19-year-old said, “We were on the bus hanging out trying to figure out a song. We were all kind of throwing out songs. I threw out ‘Free Bird’ & we all kind of clicked on it.” After all, the moment that iconic guitar solo kicks in at 4:45? Chills. Every. Single. Time. And now, it’s the official soundtrack to Team USA lighting up the scoreboard.
For Team USA, this isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. Further, the USA Hockey team has also used The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy as a goal song. Talk about a nod to classic rock legends and a whole flex on the ice! They’re not just here to win; they’re here to make it feel legendary. And vibing with them are the fans!
Fans are straight-up obsessed with the USA’s goal song
The internet has spoken, and the verdict? Free Bird is an absolute W. NHL Fans are calling it the best goal song of the 2025 tournament, and honestly? The reactions are gold. One fan summed it up perfectly: “USA just gained 1 million times more aura. FLYYYYY HIIIIIGH FREEEEE BIIIIIIRD.” Yeah, same. And this comment takes us back straight to the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship when the U.S. won against Germany (10-4), and the song roared through 10 times because of the goals.
Another fan went full patriot mode, tweeting, “I’ve never felt more American,” and let’s be real—that song does have a way of making you want to wrap yourself in the flag. Even Team USA defenseman Cole Hutson had to admit, “It’s one of the best ones in the tournament, for sure. It’s just catchy. It’s something you can sing along to after you score.” Translation: Team USA is fully embracing their main-character energy, and we’re so here for it.
And then there’s the sheer chaos: “Raaaaaaahhhhhhh! ”—because what is hockey without some unhinged fan reactions? When Free Bird plays, it’s basically an automatic eagle screech moment. And bringing back how Team USA torched Germany 10-4 in their opener, that’s 10 full-send “RAHHHH” moments in a single game.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown, fans are manifesting a high-scoring game. One fan put it simply: “Hope to hear this a lot on Saturday!” SAME. Team USA faces Finland at 8 p.m. ET at the Bell Centre in Montreal, with the game airing on ESPN and ESPN+. And history? It’s in the USA’s favor. The team has dominated Finland in NHL player-heavy tournaments, with four wins, one tie, and just one loss in their last six matchups. The last time they played in Montreal? A 4-4 tie back in 1981. But this roster? It currently boasts of the youngest (28.0 average age) and heaviest (203 lbs average weight) Team USA lineup ever. They’re built differently, and fans are ready for another Free Bird goal fest.
But let’s talk bigger picture—some fans are already calling for this to be THE National Team goal song. One tweet put it best: “This has to be the official goal song now, take this to the Olympics next year.” And honestly? They’re onto something. The song is already locked in as part of Team USA’s identity. Why stop at 4 Nations? Take it global! Let the world hear that legendary riff.
Team USA’s Free Bird move isn’t just a win for hockey fans—it’s a win for music lovers everywhere. A reminder that sometimes the best hype track isn’t new—it’s just timeless. So, crank up the volume, scream the lyrics, and get ready to hear that iconic guitar solo every time Team USA scores!
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