The NHL season is more than just a series of games; it's a cultural phenomenon steeped in tradition and passionate fan engagement. From the ceremonial puck drop to unique anthem rituals, opening night in the NHL is a spectacle that ignites the hockey spirit.
Let's delve into some of the traditions that make the start of the NHL season so special.
Detroit Red Wings: A Century of Tradition
The Detroit Red Wings exemplify the rich history and tradition that define the NHL. For a century, fans have been at the center of this franchise’s iconic story - passing down traditions, creating memories and bringing unmatched energy to every game.
The Red Wings' opening night is a multifaceted celebration, including:
- Red Carpet Walk: Fans can celebrate beginning of Red Wings season with Red Carpet Walk ahead of Opening Night, presented by Coca-Cola and Meijer, on Oct. 9 vs.
- Centennial Eras Night: Once inside Little Caesars Arena, fans can enjoy the first Centennial Eras Night: Origins Era, presented by Meijer. Fans can remember and celebrate where it all began; the bold, original people who forged the foundation of our franchise’s identity - on and off the ice.
- Centennial Rally Towel: All ticketed fans will receive a Red Wings Centennial Rally Towel, presented by Coca-Cola and Meijer, upon arena entry.
- Tribute to Legends: Fans can also pay tribute to Red Wings legend Alex Delvecchio by visiting the memorial next to his statue at the Comerica Entry SE.
Additionally, the Red Wings offer various fan engagement opportunities, including:
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- Red Wings App: New this season, in the Detroit Red Wings app, fans can utilize the augmented reality Jersey Try-on. This feature allows fans to see themselves in the new Red Wings Centennial jersey.
- Pet Pack: For $30, furry Red Wings fans can purchase the Red Wings Pet Pack, which includes an adjustable collar, collapsible bowl, two-sided bandana and waste bag holder.
- Kids Club: The Detroit Red Wings Kids Club, presented by Henry Ford Health, includes goodies and benefits for the team’s youngest fans.
- Winged Wheel Nation: Winged Wheel Nation is the team’s Season Ticket Membership Program. Designed with fans’ unique needs and interests in mind, Winged Wheel Nation membership offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences and exclusive benefits for the team’s most loyal fans on a year-round basis.
Anthem Traditions: A Sign of Respect or Disrespect?
The singing of the national anthem is a cornerstone of the NHL game-day experience. However, the manner in which fans participate varies widely, sometimes sparking debate.
Here are some notable anthem traditions across the league:
- Anaheim Ducks: Fans shout “Dawn” when the first verse is being sung.
- Chicago Blackhawks: Fans stand and cheer throughout the national anthem, often in visiting arenas.
- Winnipeg Jets: Fans scream “True North” during that portion of the Canadian anthem where “the true north strong and free” is sung.
- Vancouver Canucks: For big games, the Canucks trot out anthem singer Mark Donnelly and he holds the mic toward the crowd for a verse.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: While fans sing the anthem - and Canadians sing heartily - giant Canadian and Maple Leafs flags are held aloft on opposite sides of the arena.
- Columbus Blue Jackets: Similar to Anaheim, Blue Jackets fans scream “Leo!” in unison when anthem singer Leo Welsh sings.
- Colorado Avalanche: Avs fans sing this line during the anthem: “And our flag was still there.”
Some traditions are less inspiring:
- St. Louis Blues: Instead of singing “home of the brave,” they say sing “home of the Blues.”
- Calgary Flames: Fans stress the “see” in “O say can you see by the dawn’s early light.”
- Vegas Golden Knights: Fans scream “Knight” during the verse “Gave proof through the night.”
It should be noted that these are not laws, and in countries where personal freedoms also reign, others may choose to observe the anthem in different ways, as they do in other nations.
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Here's a summary of the anthem traditions mentioned:
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| Team | Tradition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Shouting "Dawn" | Fans shout the name of their beloved anthem singer, Dawn Wright, during the first verse. |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Cheering Throughout | Fans stand and cheer throughout the entire national anthem. |
| Winnipeg Jets | Screaming "True North" | Fans yell "True North" during the line "the true north strong and free" in the Canadian anthem. |
| Vancouver Canucks | Singing a Verse | The anthem singer holds the mic to the crowd, allowing them to sing a verse. |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Flag Display | Giant Canadian and Maple Leafs flags are raised during the anthem. |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Shouting "Leo!" | Fans shout the name of their anthem singer, Leo Welsh, in unison. |
| Colorado Avalanche | Singing "And our flag was still there" | Fans sing this specific line from the anthem. |
| St. Louis Blues | Singing "Home of the Blues" | Fans alter the lyrics to reflect their team. |
| Calgary Flames | Stressing "See" and "Red" | Fans emphasize specific words related to the city and team color. |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Screaming "Knight" | Fans yell "Knight" during a specific verse. |
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