Saturday, October 23rd, 2021, was a night that was destined to be exciting! The Cool Insuring Ice Arena a.k.a., The Glens falls Civic Center was buzzing with adrenaline and emotion. It was the season opening night for The Adirondack Thunder. This was the first game since March 2020 for these two teams, the Adirondack Thunder and The Newfoundland Growlers. Tickets for the game were sold-out, and it had taken months of planning to come together!                          

The image of lightning in a bottle or a thunderclap, is a perfect description of the energy I felt as I was waiting “backstage” watching the Adirondack Thunder team hockey players get their head in the game. 

As the players were announced and skated onto the ice through a blazing fire ring, I could feel the arena come alive with the thumping rhythm of fans cheering at the highest volume imaginable.

And then… it was time to perform. The hockey players took their places in formation on the ice and both teams faced their country flags. I walked out in the silence of the storm, and all was dark except for the spotlight ring that was shone onto me. I played the virtuous and elegant Canadian anthem first, and then turned my attention to taking a deep dive emotionally on the Star-Spangled Banner. It was one of the biggest thrills of my life, to perform our anthem in front of 5,000 fans that rose to their feet! If you haven’t been to an ADK Thunder game, they are very fun to watch, and the team plays with a big heart! You might even see me there cheering them on! Go, Adirondack Thunder!