Write new Hockey Night in Canada theme. Win $100,000

Hockey fans definitely won't hear the country's "second national anthem" during Hockey Night in Canada games on the CBC next season.

But the 40-year-old song - officially titled "The Hockey Theme" - will be used elsewhere during the 2007-08 NHL season.

Expect to hear the popular tune during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, too.

The theme gains new life on television because CTV paid a reported $1 million for rights so it could be part of NHL games on TSN/RDS and coverage of the Vancouver Olympics.

Meanwhile, CBC Sports issued the following news release today.

************************* CBC'S Hockey Night in Canada announces Canada's Hockey Anthem Challenge

TORONTO, June 19 - CBC Sports today officially launched its search for an all-new musical theme for its flagship sports broadcast, CBC'S Hockey Night in Canada.

"Between now and October, we invite musicians to create and everyone in the country to help us select the perfect new music to represent the most famous hockey broadcast in the world," says Scott Moore, executive director of CBC Sports. "With Canada's Hockey Anthem Challenge, we will create a new theme for the Hockey Nation, something that will tell the world what CBC's Hockey Night In Canada is all about."

Along with the most sought-after musical bragging rights in the country, the winning entry will receive $100,000 in cash.

The songwriters will receive half of the ongoing performance royalties, with the other half going to Canadian minor league hockey.

"Our team of experts and judges will represent a cross-section of the country's musical and hockey talent," Moore says. "We'll be making some more announcements shortly about those personalities. We're going to create just the right mix to ensure we come up with a winner that's both musically exceptional and appealing to the all-Canadian hockey fan. The winning theme will capture the essence of our national sport, provide a signpost for great hockey programming and excite fans from coast to coast to coast." Starting today and continuing until 11:59 p.m. ET on August 31, Canadians will be able to submit their musical creations to CBC.

Submissions will be available for review and rating on the new Canada's Hockey Anthem Challenge website. At least five semifinalists will be presented to the country on a network television special on Saturday, October 4.

A panel of celebrity judges will weigh in with their views - controversial or otherwise - after which Canadians will have a chance to vote for their favourite.

The following week, two finalists will be revealed at the beginning of CBC'S Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader on Thursday, October 9 and fans will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the ultimate winner.

A new theme for CBC'S Hockey Night in Canada will be revealed on Saturday, October 11.

"Since we announced the search for a new hockey anthem on June 6, we've been deluged with suggestions and requests," Moore says. "We think the next couple of months are going to be right up there with the playoffs in terms of excitement, passion, debate and controversy. Canadians have never been shy about anything to do with hockey. This is going to be an event where hockey history is made."

Competition rules and regulations will be available at this website.

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions.

With 28 services offered on Radio, Television, the Internet, satellite radio, digital audio, as well as through its record and music distribution service and wireless WAP and SMS messaging services, CBC/Radio-Canada is available how, where and when Canadians want it.

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage on this story

CBC to drop Hockey Night in Canada theme song?