BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) – After 40 years of singing the National Anthem and fist pumping at the beginning of Bruins hockey games, longtime anthem singer Rene Rancourt is set to retire.
Rancourt, 78, and the Boston Bruins made the announcement Wednesday prior to the Canadiens game at TD Garden.
Since 1975, he has performed the national anthem prior to the games.
His signature fist-pump following the anthem was modeled after the "Stump Pump" of former Bruin Randy Burridge.
One of his most notable performances was at the Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres game on April 17, 2013, during which the crowd joined him in singing the national anthem.
WATCH: Rene Rancourt sings the National Anthem at TD Garden on 4/17/2013
The Lewiston, Maine native and U.S. Army Veteran is a trained opera singer and first began singing the national anthem at Boston Red Sox games.
The Bruins said that they will honor Rancourt at the Boston Bruins final regular season game on April 8 against the Florida Panthers.
Photo Gallery: Rene Rancourt
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