The start of the 2018-19 season is here for the New York Rangers, but are without one of their own, John Amirante, who they honored Thursday.
The New York Rangers are all about class, and that continued Thursday prior to the start of their home opener as the honored former anthem singer John Amirante, who died earlier this year.
Prior to the anthem, the microphone that Ranger fans have become so accustomed to seeing Amirante sing at was standing alone. Before the start of the anthem, they brought Amirante’s family to stand and watch.
The ? stands alone in honor of John Amirante pic.twitter.com/T0yXOOpsM0
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 4, 2018
The anthem was a mashup of the anthems previously sung by Amirante that showcased not only the fan favorite but, also showed Ranger players past and present. As the song came to a close, the video ended with Amirante’s signature towel wave and a wide shot of Madison Square Garden during the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.
ICYMI watch the emotional #NYR Opening Night tribute to John Amirante last night @TheGarden. pic.twitter.com/lqKfVyMqgF
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 5, 2018
After the 2015 season, Amirante was not a major presence behind the microphone as the organization went with a variety of anthem singers. He made a few playoff anthem appearances but, never got to go out the way he wanted to.
The Garden just is not the same not hearing Amirante sing the anthem, and here’s hoping that the Blueshirts use that pre-recorded version for a majority of the games played at home this year. Kind of like how the Yankees use the pre-recorded rendition of God Bless America from Kate Smith.
Even if it is the last time we get to hear Amirante’s voice at the Garden this season, it was still nice to get to hear Amirante’s voice one more time.
