On Tuesday night at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, a small tech issue turned into one of the most touching moments of the playoff season.
While singer Cami Clune was singing “O Canada” before Game 5, which was between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins, her microphone suddenly stopped working. Instead of the crowd going silent, thousands of fans jumped in, singing the Canadian national anthem loudly and with a heartfelt spirit that could be felt outside the arena.
The unexpected choir created a strong, united version of the anthem that filled the whole arena. After finding a new microphone, Clune went ahead and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” perfectly. Clune, who is from Buffalo, is used to being in the spotlight. She is a gifted singer-songwriter who made it to the finals of The Voice in Season 19 and got an impressive four-chair turn during her audition. Now, she is the official anthem singer for the Sabres and has also sung at Buffalo Bills games, NASCAR events, and SailGP competitions.
Why Buffalo Always Performs Both Anthems
Many people online were confused as to why “O Canada” was played before a game between two American teams. The explanation has to do with location and a tradition that has been around for over fifty years.
Unlike most NHL teams in America, the Sabres play both national songs before every home game, no matter who they are up against. The KeyBank Center is located just five miles from Canada, and many of their fans come from Ontario. People often make the quick trip to watch the games, and playing “O Canada” shows how much the team values this loyal group, which has always been a big part of the Sabres’ spirit since they started playing.
In a time when Canada and the United States often have political issues, this unplanned moment of unity during the Canadian anthem highlighted how hockey can connect the two countries. The friendship between fans from both nations continues to thrive in NHL arenas.
On the ice, Boston eventually took the win in the fifth game during overtime, making the series score 3-2 in favor of Buffalo. However, more than just the score, it was this surprising moment of togetherness that everyone will remember most from that night at the KeyBank Center.
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