The Hockey Night in Canada theme song will be shut out next season, according to the composer of the song.
The agreement between the CBC and the composer, Dolores Claman, expired last night when the last game of the 2007-'08 season was played, according to the website, hockeytheme.com.
According to the site, the CBC has advisted Claman that the contract will not be renewed and the broadcaster has chosen to move in a new direction.
The CBC was paying about $500 for each game broadcast using the anthem. The renewal offer was "virtually identical," according to the site.
"I am saddened by the decision of the CBC to drop the Hockey Night in Canada Theme after our lengthy history together," Claman said. "I nevertheless respect its right to move in a new direction."
The composition was written by Claman in 1968 and has become one of the longest running theme songs in broadcasting history, sometimes refered to as "Canada's second national anthem."
