The familiar voice of Paul Lorieau will live on in the hearts of Edmonton Oilers fans everywhere.
Lorieau, the longtime national anthem singer for the Oilers, passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer, the NHL club announced just after midnight on Wednesday morning.
“Paul will be respected and remembered for being a key player in the history of the Edmonton Oilers. His passion and excitement became a staple at every Oilers home game for more than 30 years,” said Oilers president Patrick LaForge in a statement.
One of his more memorable moments, belting out O Canada, came during the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Prior to puck drop in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final, Lorieau began singing the Canadian national anthem, but then pointed the microphone to the Edmonton crowd, which took over with a loud and stirring rendition all the way to the anthem’s conclusion.
Since the announcement of his passing, there has been an outpouring of support from fans and Edmonton media.
Sad to hear of the passing of Paul Lorieau, legendary anthem singer in Edmonton. Gem of a man, and will be missed by Oiler fans everywhere.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 3, 2013