Funny to hear this, but us Bruins fans really enjoyed the great mans rendition of The Canadien National Anthem. His introduction was to remind us that we had a hell of a hockey game on our hands. It's one of those little special little things (like Kate Smith in Philly) that the modern game is missing. Infact I believe they don't even show the singing of the national anthems anymore!
Another Bruins fan here. Agree he was the best. Rene Rancourt was sure no Roger Doucet! Sometime around 1979, Doucet changed the words to the anthem, replacing the first "on guard for thee" with "on guard for rights and liberty." Very appropriate then for the situation in Quebec and appropriate now in the U.S as our freedoms are being eroded.
The loud sound effects and canned music so commonplace at hockey games nowadays help make today's brand of sport look like an obscenity compared what it was like when Roger sang the anthem at the Montreal Forum back in those days.
Doucet actually released a vinyl LP of national anthems. Canada, US, USSR, France, Germany plus others were on the recording. Roger took pride in singing anthems. There is an National Film Board clip of Doucet preparing to sing the anthem in the Montreal Forum.
A few things to clarify here..this is the 1978 WJC game between Canada and the old Czechoslovakian team which was in fact played on Christmas day in '78 at the Montreal Forum. Canada won 9-3. Canada would lose to Sweeden in the semi-final 6-5. The old USSR beat the Swedes 5-2 for the gold. There were some darned good players on that Canadian team.. Gretzky, Gartner, Hartsburg, Vaive, Bobby Smith, and as a poster pointed out Marsh, and McCrimmon
Hisshhhh on that night he wasn't so "hot", he must've had a flue or something... Is there a video on CZcams of the game that follows? I think it was one of the best game aver opposing Russia to Canada
Yes, he wasn't quite his usually-impressive self. Compare this to his rendition on 5/10/79, before the 7th game against the Boston Bruins. The difference is easily perceivable. ... RIP, Roger.
Ever notice when the Canadian Anthem is played the players STAND STILL unlike Americans fidgiting and scratching the nuts laughing and picking there noses. More pride in Canada then the US.
I am a Bruins fan and I will never forget the way this man delivered this anthem with such passion. He was awesome.
I still get chills listening to Roger RIP!
Mr Doucet will be remembered for a long time as "Mister Ô Canada".
Of all the songs of all the singers,, to me Rodger doucet singing the anthem is the song I would say is my fav .
Funny to hear this, but us Bruins fans really enjoyed the great mans rendition of The Canadien National Anthem. His introduction was to remind us that we had a hell of a hockey game on our hands. It's one of those little special little things (like Kate Smith in Philly) that the modern game is missing. Infact I believe they don't even show the singing of the national anthems anymore!
I agree. As a Flyers fan hearing this voice meant trouble. Candiens at the Forum, but it is still my favorite rendition.
Pmccrsp To much trouble! But I don’t remember ever missing The Great Man singing Oh Canada before a game.
Another Bruins fan here. Agree he was the best. Rene Rancourt was sure no Roger Doucet! Sometime around 1979, Doucet changed the words to the anthem, replacing the first "on guard for thee" with "on guard for rights and liberty." Very appropriate then for the situation in Quebec and appropriate now in the U.S as our freedoms are being eroded.
The loud sound effects and canned music so commonplace at hockey games nowadays help make today's brand of sport look like an obscenity compared what it was like when Roger sang the anthem at the Montreal Forum back in those days.
Doucet actually released a vinyl LP of national anthems. Canada, US, USSR, France, Germany plus others were on the recording. Roger took pride in singing anthems. There is an National Film Board clip of Doucet preparing to sing the anthem in the Montreal Forum.
Magnifique!
Those where huge shoes to fill indeed.
Awesome. Thanks for posting.
nelly could learn a thing of two here
Thanks. I didn't know that. Great job on your site.
i have that vinyl album, as well as a pure francophone album in classic crooner style
A few things to clarify here..this is the 1978 WJC game between Canada and the old Czechoslovakian team which was in fact played on Christmas day in '78 at the Montreal Forum. Canada won 9-3. Canada would lose to Sweeden in the semi-final 6-5. The old USSR beat the Swedes 5-2 for the gold. There were some darned good players on that Canadian team.. Gretzky, Gartner, Hartsburg, Vaive, Bobby Smith, and as a poster pointed out Marsh, and McCrimmon
@parkman35 correction...this was played on 12/25/77 as part of the '78 WJC....
@hockeybooks Sorry Mcrimmon(RIP) wasn't a rookie till around 79-80.
@hockeybooks My bad. I thought this was Team Canada with pros, not amatuers. I stand corrected.
ROW JAY
future flyers brad mcrimmon and brad marsh on defence for team canada
I think Gretzky played in this one!
Hisshhhh on that night he wasn't so "hot", he must've had a flue or something... Is there a video on CZcams of the game that follows? I think it was one of the best game aver opposing Russia to Canada
Yes, he wasn't quite his usually-impressive self. Compare this to his rendition on 5/10/79, before the 7th game against the Boston Bruins. The difference is easily perceivable. ... RIP, Roger.
Comme on, it could'nt be THAT bad ?
Could it ?
Ever notice when the Canadian Anthem is played the players STAND STILL unlike Americans fidgiting and scratching the nuts laughing and picking there noses. More pride in Canada then the US.