Nickelback-spurning pro hockey fans need worry no longer.

Local rock legends Randy Bachman and Fred Turner have been tapped to headline an NHL season kick-off party at The Forks next weekend.

The NHL announced Thursday the duo, along with Three Days Grace and local rockers Inward Eye, will perform as part of the 2011 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off festival Oct. 6.

The formal announcement ends much speculation the hockey league was planning to hire Nickelback to headline, setting off a social-media firestorm by folks pleading with the league to stop it from happening.

The no-Nickelback sentiment reached a fever pitch after two prominent local newspaper columnists penned an article pleading with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to consider other alternatives.

CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos will host the festival, officials said.

Nickelback-less fest draws relief on Twitter.

• @Rebecca Hadfield: No Nickelback is always better than Nickelback. Unless the alternative is Creed.
• @Sandy: not impressed! I know lots of ppl dont like @Nickelback but bachman turner really? It will be a Senior nite out! I’ll Pass…
• @stateofthecity: I’m not thrilled at their choice, but literally anything is better than Nickelback. So, good save.
• @Adele: Love it! I’m sure better artists can be found.