One of the most legendary anthem singers in sports has announced his retirement.
Rene Rancourt, who’s sang the American and Canadian anthems at TD Garden in Boston since the 1975-76 season, will hang up the microphone at the end of the 2017/18 season, the Boston Bruins announced on Wednesday.
Noted for his mustache, deep operatic singning voice and his passionate fist pump, Rancourt first started out fine tuning his craft in the opera, and eventually worked his way to performing the anthems at Boston Red Sox games. He also served in the U.S. Army.
One of Rancourt’s most popular moments was when he performed the U.S. anthem two days after the tragic Boston marathon bombings in which he let the Boston crowd take over the anthem.
His signature fist pump is a tribute to former Bruins forward Randy Burridge, who originally started the so called “Stump Pump.”
The Boston Glove released a special feature on Rancourt back in 2012 that illustrates just how popular Rancourt is in the Boston sports community.
The Bruins will honour and celebate the amazing career of Rancourt during their final home game of the season on April 8th against the Florida Panthers.
All the best, Rene! Bruins games won't have that same feel without you.
