With the centennial season looming in just a few short weeks, let us take a trip down memory lane at two of the most iconic voices prior to puck drop. Honoring the flags of the respective countries, the renditions echoed through every available inch of Madison Square Garden.
Let us discuss.
John Amirante
What a voice and what a talent. John Amirante was the National Anthem singer for the New York Rangers from 1980 through the 2015 season. Born in the Bronx, he was a true New Yorker, through and through.
Some of his more iconic renditions of the country's colors were during the 1993-94 Stanley Cup run.
He brought energy and life into the building and got the Rangers faithful ready to go on a nightly basis.
John Brancy
Since the 2021-22 season, John Brancy has taken over the duties as the Anthem singer. He is not there for every single home game, but a vast majority feature his baritone voice.
Brancy has been widely praised as the second coming of Amirante. With his signature scarf sporting the Rangers' red, white, and blue color scheme, he projects his vocals so that the nosebleeds can feel the vibration.
There is an opportunity for Brancy to become a long-standing member of the Rangers family, much like Amirante did in his tenure. Seemingly, since Brancy took over in the quote-on-quote "Last season of the rebuild", he has served as a bit of a good luck charm.
Rich history fits with Rangers culture
This organization has stood its ground on tradition, and for the most part, the culture has never really changed. Madison Square Garden might get a facelift every couple of years, and the team itself likes to make head coaching changes like changing a pair of socks.
But, when something sticks, like having a charismatic and influential Anthem singer before the start of every Rangers home game, it is important. That is the beauty of the Rangers, and why even the little things mean so much to not only the organization, but are often recognized by the fans.