USA hockey goal song, explained: How 'Free Bird' became the U.S. anthem for 2026 Olympics

There might be no song more popular in the United States during the Olympics than "Free Bird," a southern rock anthem that has transformed from a classic rock staple into the unofficial heartbeat of USA Hockey.

What began as a spontaneous locker room tradition during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off has spiraled into a nationwide phenomenon, with the song's iconic five-minute guitar solo now serving as the definitive soundtrack for the American squad’s high-octane game.

Whether it is blaring through the arena speakers during pre-game warmups in Milan or being belted out by thousands of fans in the stands, the track has come to symbolize the relentless identity of the current U.S. roster. For both the men's and women's teams on their quests for gold, the song captures a specific brand of American swagger that feels both nostalgic and perfectly suited for a group that feels as dominant as ever.

Here's how the song became the heartbeat of USA hockey.

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What is the USA's goal song at the Olympics?

Team USA's goal song at the 2026 Milan Olympics is "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

This is the second straight tournament on the men's side where it has become the goal anthem, the first being the Four Nations Faceoff.

This and Free Bird on repeat 🦅 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3WxoNLTyw8

Both teams have had a flurry of goals so far in the Olympics; on the women's side, Team USA has outscored opponents 31-1, and the men scored 16 goals in three games in the group stage.

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Why is 'Free Bird' the USA's goal song? 

While many Olympic traditions are steeped in decades of history, the rise of Free Bird as the anthem for USA Hockey is a relatively new phenomenon that began as a locker room suggestion.

The song's journey from classic rock staple to Olympic goal song started in late 2024. During a bus ride before the 2025 World Junior Championship, American defenseman Zeev Buium suggested the Lynyrd Skynyrd track as the team's designated goal song. The roster quickly embraced the idea, specifically choosing to play the high-energy guitar solo rather than the slower beginning of the track.

The World Junior team went on to win the gold medal with the song as their soundtrack, cementing it as a "lucky charm" for the program.

Following the success at the World Juniors, NHL stars like Jack Hughes and the Tkachuk brothers pushed to keep the song for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. By the time the 2026 Milan Olympics arrived, it had become the permanent identity of the national team. The choice resonated with fans on social media, turning "Play Free Bird" into a digital rallying cry every time the U.S. scores.

In Milan, the song has been particularly fitting for the Americans' playstyle; the fast-paced, relentless nature of the guitar solo mirrors the "all-gas-no-brakes" transition game that has defined their tournament run so far.

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'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