The rumours turned out to be true this week as officials confirmed none other than country music superstar Gord Bamford would sing the national anthem during championship matches at the 2013 Senior AA/A Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials in Innisfail April 7.
“It's a big show of support,” said Darin Doel, chair of the host committee. “It's just one more plus for us going into our 65th anniversary and provincials that somebody of that stature recognizes what this tournament's about and what Senior Hockey means in Alberta.”
The 2010 Canadian Country Music Association Male Artist of the Year was born in Australia but moved to Lacombe when he was five and has released five studio albums to date. The Is It Friday Yet? singer spent his formative years involved in Big Brothers & Big Sisters, minor hockey, 4-H Club and baseball, internalizing strong personal values.
“I think it's exciting for the town,” Doel said. “It's exciting for the Innisfail Eagles.”
Having a Canadian country icon drop by to chime in before Alberta's best Senior Hockey players go at it for bragging rights and the gold medal is fitting, Doel added.
“Senior Hockey is a rural Alberta sport,” he said. “He's going to be singing the national anthem for both games.”
Denver Daines will sing the national anthem Saturday night and Linda Beaton, who has welcomed the Eagles onto the ice with O Canada for over 20 years, will take the vocal duties as part of the opening ceremonies Friday, April 5.
