Chad Armstrong has sung the national anthems prior to NHL games, at Madison Square Garden in New York City and at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay.
He has also performed in some of the most famous opera venues in the world, including the New York Metropolitan Opera House.
The former Estevan resident, a renowned baritone who now resides in New York, returned to the Energy City in early March for a performance at St. Paul’s United Church through the Stars for Saskatchewan concert series. The night before the concert at St. Paul’s, he had a wish fulfilled when he sang O Canada prior to the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins game.
“I’m always nervous (before singing an anthem),” said Armstrong, who was sporting a Bruin jersey. “Singing the national anthem is always an honour. It felt fantastic.”
It has been a long time since he has been home, likely seven or eight years. The last time he was in Estevan, Affinity Place hadn’t been completed. He raved about the facility, and said he wishes he could have played hockey there.
Armstrong played his developmental hockey in the Civic Auditorium and the Power Dodge Ice Centre.
The concert at St. Paul’s was his first in Estevan, and among his first in Canada. A lot of his friends and family had never heard him sing, so he was excited for the show.
Stacy Grunert, whose late husband Colin Grunert was the band instructor at Estevan Comprehensive School, was among those in attendance. Armstrong credited Colin Grunert with playing a big role in his development at a musician.
