Hockey crowd makes great save

Ice hockey — like every other sport — has its share of statistics as well as its rules of play.

To many born below the Great White North, also known as Canada, these rules concerning two-line passes, icing, boarding and such interfere with our understanding of the game.

But you don't need to be able to tell the difference between your five-hole and a hole in the ground to recognize a great save, as well as a timely assist.

On Jan. 7, an 8-year-old girl by the name of Elizabeth Hughes was given the honor of singing the national anthem at an American Hockey League game between the Norfolk Admirals and the Connecticut Whale.

To any of you who are parents, imagine the mixture of nerves and pride Elizabeth's parents must have been experiencing when their little angel took the microphone in hand. This was no school pageant solo — this was the bigtime, and an honor that could shake even the most seasoned of singers.

In the video that can be viewed online, Elizabeth begins on key, and after a small amount of trouble on one note, really lets her voice soar into the rafters.

Until it went silent.

Not due to any onset of nerves, or even because of anything in her power. It was a technical glitch that attempted to spoil Elizabeth's moment in the spotlight, as her microphone cut out.

Not missing a beat, Elizabeth sang on, but it was a spontaneous and near instantaneous assist by the crowd that saved the moment. En masse, the spectators picked up where technology left off, accompanying the pint-sized singing prodigy in an a cappella completion of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Now I've been at more than my share of sporting events, and have heard many different renditions of the national anthem. Some are sung traditionally and can be sung along to, while others are turned more into showpieces for vocalists to insert their own variations.

America is all about freedom — so as part of that freedom, I guess I'm supposed to accept that singers can "honor" the country by changing the song any way they please. Equally I am supposed to respect the "rights" of others to choose not to remove their caps when the national anthem is played.

I only said I was "supposed" to — I never said I actually did.

Elizabeth Hughes and her crowd of impromptu backup singers got it right — they treated the national anthem with the respect and honor it deserves.

Contact Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.