The Boston Bruins will say farewell to someone who may as well be an honorary member of the team.
Singer Rene Rancourt will be wrapping up his nearly 40-year run as the singer of the National Anthem at the Bruins games. The 76 year old, trained opera singer announced his retirement Wednesday, promising to finish out the 2017-18 season.
Rancourt began his career singing the Star Spangled Banner at Boston Red Sox games in the early 1970’s, eventually moving to the National Hockey League as the vocalist of the Canadian National Anthem during the 1975-76 season.
Hockey fans know Rancourt for his signature celebratory “fist-pump” at the end of each performance, setting the atmosphere with his spirit before each Bruins game. Some fans even believe he has the power to affect the outcome of the games. Fans will remember Rancourt for his ability to move a crowd, even in tough situations. He made national news for his powerful performance on April 17, 2013 for the first Bruins game after the Boston Marathon bombing.
The Bruins will honor Rancourt on April 8, at their last home game of the regular season.
