Sounds of Hockey: My Top 10 NHL Goal Horns

One of my favorite atmospherical developments in the NHL over the last two decades is the goal horn. It's a moment that can make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Something about having a loud horn blaring in your ear after your team scores is exhilarating to hear, and there have been times I’ve found myself scouring YouTube for videos of goal horns. A weird, little obsession? Maybe (yes). I thought I would take a break from the more serious content and bring something a little more on the fun side. Here are my top 10 NHL goal horns along with videos each horn and song! Also included are images of the horns, with the exception of one for reasons you will find out. 

10. Chicago Blackhawks - United Center 

Horn type: Kahlenberg Q-3
Song: Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis

They were the first ones to use a goal horn back in the 80’s in the old Chicago Stadium, and the Blackhawks brought that same horn with them when they moved to United Center. The old horn hangs above center ice, underneath the scoreboard. Reasons to love this horn: its a classic, and it was the really the first goal horn to ever be used

photo author unknown

9. San Jose Sharks - SAP Center

Horn type: Kahlenberg Triton S-120
Song: Rock and Roll pt. 2 - custom version

The Sharks goal horn is awesome. I am a huge fan of goal horns with deep bass, and the one up in San Jose is one that sounds like it fits the team name. It sounds like it would belong in the bay area, signaling to ships in the foggy mornings. The custom edition of the famed sports anthem "Rock and Roll pt. 2" is a great touch as well. The horn is located up in the catwalk above section 207. 

photo author unknown

8. Buffalo Sabres - First Niagra Center 

Horn type: Kahlenberg Q-3
Song: The Miracle - U2

Same type of horns as Chicago's? Yes. Does it still sound different? Yes. Many goal horns in the NHL are the very same horn, but all horns sound different and have their own unique qualities. The Sabres is no exception. Just an all-around pleasing horn to the ear. Fun fact: It is actually an old boat horn that has been tied to an air compressor. It sits up in the rafters near center ice. 

photo by Ryan Burgess

7. New York Rangers - Madison Square Garden

Horn type: recording of a 1990's NYC firetruck horn
Song: Custom song

Yes, it is a little strange to think that the world's most famous arena utilizes a recording of a horn instead of the real thing. However, it doesn't take away from the fact that it sounds great. The fact that is a firetruck horn is all the more cool, and the goal song is one of the most famous ones in hockey. 

6. Calgary Flames - Scotiabank Saddledome

Horn type: Buell plastic "Lifeguard" 4-chime horn sets
Song: Righteous Smoke - Monster Truck

The Flames goal horn is extremely pleasing to the ear. Coupled with the spotlights making the entire goal red for a second when the Flames bury one, this horn will become a reoccurring sound as the Flames get better every single year. That is it. It is mounted in the catwalk high above the Flames scoreboard. 

photo by Ryan Dittrick

5. Minnesota Wild - Xcel Energy Center

Horn type: Kahlenberg Q-3A
Song: Crowd Chant - Joe Satriani

This horn is a beautiful sounding one. It is located right next to a lighthouse structure which doubles as a press box. The lighthouse emits smoke after a goal is scored, giving the impression of a moon-lit forest night with this woodsy-sounding horn. It is actually 4 different horn bells that emit the sound. 

photo author unknown 

4. St. Louis Blues - Scottrade Center 

Horn type: two Kahlenberg S-203C horns
Song: When the Saints Go Marching In - organ

The Blues horn is absolutely fantastic. It is a very intimidating sound. The horns pump a cadence of three blasts: a long blast, a short blast, followed by another long blast. The cadence is unique, no other team does the long-short-long blast cadence. The horns were actually taken from an old ship liner that was going to be scrapped. They are set to only 40% airflow. Located in the catwalk above the center ice and face in opposite directions. 

photo author unknown

3. Montreal Canadiens - Bell Centre

Horn type: Airchime K3HA
Song: Loco Locass - Le But (Allez Montreal)

While I don't usually enjoy high-pitched horns, the Montreal Canadiens horn is an exception. It just sounds classic. A classic horn for a classic team. It is a very long horn. Running a single blast for more than 20 seconds at times during the playoffs. There are 3 horns emitting sound at a time. It is located above the scoreboard at center ice. 

photo author unknown

2. Anaheim Ducks - Honda Center
Horn type: Ibuki 200 diaphone fog horn
Song: Bro Hymn - Pennywise

Ahh yes, the Ducks horn. Heard it many many times during my adventures to Honda Center over the years. I can tell you one thing: it is loud... very loud. It shakes your seat and you can hear it from the parking lot. It's deep, mean, it sounds heavy. Coupled with a police siren and in my opinion what is the best goal song in hockey, it makes for an exhilarating combination when the Ducks score. It is located in rafters above section 418. 

photo by Brenden Bihun

1. Dallas Stars - American Airlines Arena
Horn type: two Kahlenberg KDT-123 horns
Song: Puck Off - Pantera

Here we have my favorite goal horn. The Dallas Stars horn is great for many reasons. The overall sound is a very "bossy" sound. It just sounds absolutely massive. The number of blasts coincides with number of goals the Stars have scored. 1 blast for the first goal, 2 blasts for the second goal and so on. The goal song "Puck Off" is one that was specially made for the Stars by Texas-based metal band Pantera. Loud goal horn + loud heavy metal is an A+ in my book. The horn is located above center ice in the rafters.

photo by Jason B.