The “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song, a mainstay of Canadian households for 40 years and often thought of as the unofficial second national anthem, may have launched its final hockey game, according to the company that controls use of the song.The tune, which has opened the Canadian Broadcasting Corp’s

Saturday night National Hockey League broadcasts since the late 1960s, will not be renewed as the broadcaster has chosen to move in a new direction, said John Ciccone, president of Copyright Music & Visuals.

“Effective immediately following the last playoff game of this season the CBC will cease using the Hockey Night in Canada.

Hockey Night song skating on thin ice | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Mike Green scored a goal and two assists on Friday as Canada defeated Sweden 5-4 in Quebec City to advance to the final of the world hockey championship.

Dany Heatley notched his 11th goal of the tournament, with Ryan Getzlaf, Jamal Mayers and Rick Nash also tallying. Goaltender Pascal Leclaire made 30 saves and also had an assist Friday at Le Colisée arena.

Canada will play Russia in the final on Sunday afternoon in Quebec City.

Canada to play for world championship

Swedish teenager Mikael Backlund, a first-round pick in the 2007 NHL draft, was secured on a contract by the Calgary Flames on Friday.The six-foot, 194-pound (88kg) center, who helped his country clinch the silver medal at last year’s world junior championship, has been playing for Swedish club Vasteras this season.

Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter said in a statement that Backlund was one of the best young centers in the world.

“He demonstrated at the world junior championships that he is in an elite class. I look forward to getting him here for development camp in July and main camp in the fall,” he added.

Center Backlund signs contract with Calgary Flames | Sports | Reuters