We might be nearing the end of the Rene Rancourt era at TD Garden.
The national anthem singer has been a staple at Boston Bruins games since the 1975-76 season, but Rancourt recently told VICE Sports he’s considering retirement. And it could come very soon for the 76-year-old opera singer.
“Maybe next year,” Rancourt told VICE’s Joshua Kloke.
While Bruins fans certainly will miss Rancourt (and his fist pumps) whenever that day comes, they can take solace in the fact he has appreciated the praise he has received through the years.
“The best compliment you could pay me is, ‘I really appreciate your diction and the way you get your words out in your performance,’ ” Rancourt said. “If I try to focus on the words, it is bound to affect a more dramatic presentation. People respond to that.”
And if the Bruins replace Rancourt with someone younger once he rides off into the sunset or turn to pop stars as many NHL teams do, he won’t mind. Rancourt said he enjoys watching anthem singers just as much as he enjoys performing.
“Sometimes I hear a tremendous anthem singer and I’m the first person in line to go shake that person’s hand,” Rancourt said. “There’s no jealousy involved.”
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
