O Canada Roger Doucet Montreal vs Toronto 1979 2

[@stephenland9361]

And the first player shown is Guy Lafleur, "The Flower". Rest in peace, Guy.

[@bdwyblu]

As a now 56 year-old who grew up in New York City and loved hockey for as long as I can remember that gives me chills. Doucet’s Canadian anthem truly is the best version of any anthem of any country. As a young boy watching the Rangers play the Habs on a Saturday night on my television in Brooklyn that was religion to me and that’s when hockey was great in its greatest era.

[@gynandroidhead]

Couldn't agree more.

[@williamhughes5260]

I'm the same age as you, and I grew up in NYC. I knew three things were going to happen when the Rangers were in Montreal: 1. Roger Doucet would sing an incredible rendition of the national anthem. 2. The camera view would be blocked several times by fans standing up. 3. The Canadiens would win almost all of the time.

[@davefranke6509]

His rendition of Oh Canada even gave Americans goosebumps !

[@beast1960]

Sure did. I was a Kings fan growing up and when he sang, I knew game was over. HA

[@pvujanov]

@@beast1960 I grew up in Buffalo in the 70's. My elementary school bus knew the words to the French version of the Canadian National Anthem because of Roger Doucet. He was arguably the best anthem singer of mu lifetime.

[@Mattissaved]

It gave this American goosebumps!

[@ronaldgiordano2070]

You are absolutely right.

[@BIGHMWOfficial]

@@beast1960 Kings fan since 1975 (9 years old at that time), and grew up watching Les Habs just literally mow down teams including us during their Dynasty years and whenever Roger Doucet sang his now-famous half-French-half-English version of O'Canada, accompanied by (I assume it is) Claudette Auchu at the Montreal Forum Hammond Organ during those years it was pretty much GAME OVER for any opponent stepping on the ice that night.

[@Orrscore]

Just the best version of any anthem ever heard. Magnificent voice, powerful and prideful deliver. M. Doucet is missed greatly.

[@mikeprevost8650]

He sang the Soviet anthem in Russian during the Canada Cup games. He sang the US anthem better than most American singers. He was the greatest.

[@nolmanimates3031]

​@@mikeprevost8650 truly the greatest

[@xtctrader1467]

As a American born youth living in Canada in the mid 70's. I use to enjoy watching the Montreal Canadiens on the French language Channel. I didn't understand 90% of what they were saying, but it sounded elegant.

[@briancampbell6038]

The great Roger Doucet, heaven for me as a child growing up watching the Habs on Hockey Night In Canada on a saturday night huddled around the t.v with the family in Cape Breton. Can't beat those days.

[@dang2226]

Whos here with me in Feb 2024 listening to our beautiful anthem by the Great Roger Doucet? ❤ These were the days❤! As a Flames fan, born in 74, as a youth loved watching the Great players on the Habs and Leafs teams in the 70s 80s 90s on my dial tvs😊! Great memories.

[@thomast9736]

As an NY Islanders fan watching hockey in the late 70s, I used to wait in anticipation of relishing listening to Roger Ducent sing O Canada, especially before a Canadian - Bruins game. It was magical back then and the best part of the event. Not even interested in professional sports anymore in the slightest.

[@frederickbelak9560]

In my youth,every weekend I would watch hockey night in Canada. And every time,nothing could happen,till this great man,did his version of the national anthem. He was in effect the gold standard,and always will be,for when a singer nails it,when doing a national anthem,for any country. Nothing to this day,comes close to him. Rest in peace.

[@e.a.p3174]

fond memories. Spent my teenage years outside of Montreal. Roger Doucet was marvellous, and I think his bilingual version of Oh Canada was great.

[@jpboileau5473]

Never to be replaced. EVER.

[@gynandroidhead]

Absolutely, and his version is the best.

[@robgrune3284]

The one and only Doucet. was the end of an era. The fans, players, game are not the same: much the lesser. Doucet had the voice and passion: nobody before him or since sings the anthem with such bravado. We may never see again the likes of Doucet and the hall of famers who played at that time. How I miss the era.

[@RonHachey]

My dad took me to the Montreal Forum to see my first NHL game and it gave me goosebumps to hear the National Anthem sung by Roger Doucet, what a voice, so powerful. It was December 1st,1973 and Montreal was playing Chicago

[@beast1960]

I wish I would have gotten to experience that.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

an organ, an iconic singer and amazing hockey players - we didn't "need" an "in-game" experience to appreciate great hockey

[@Classicrocker6119]

Listening to Roger Doucet gives me goosebumps. Nobody did it better!!

[@krisandnancyboucher1277]

Went to college in Vermont, 1971-75. Not being too into the bar scene, I usually stayed on campus & so enjoyed “Hockey Night in Canada,” usually the game in Montreal. Roger Doucet’s bi-lingual anthem always got me emotional. Then 1 weekend, a few of us went TO The Forum, saw Canadiens v. Blackhawks. Unforgettable from start to finish.

[@driverdad71]

The Forum was a very intimidating place at the time, the Habs simply didn't lose there. Mr Doucet, I believe, set the tone with his amazing, commanding voice.

[@beast1960]

Yep. Absolutely right.

[@wilnerolivier7971]

@@beast1960 Kind of like the Flyers playing Kate Smith's" God Bless America" before every home game!! Flyers rarely lost at the Spectrum in the '70s playing that song.

[@beast1960]

@@wilnerolivier7971 I agree. Kind of strange that Flyers would play recording of Roger Doucet as well. Roger Doucet was live at the Forum, which was so cool.

[@dtbrownies]

Was watching game 4 of the finals tonight, Florida at Edmonton, was listening to the anthems which were OK, but they can never compare with this guy, just had to listen again.

[@kenvelickoff4275]

My childhood right here, Hockey Night in Canada!

[@forgetandre4881]

Quel belle époque, je suis content d`avoir vécu ce temps la. Merci pour ce souvenir.

[@quiricomazarin476]

Remember "portez la croix" en Haut Andre.

[@robertdebrus3732]

I went to a game at the Montreal Forum around 1988 and his rendition of the Canadian national anthem was tremendous I love my Canadian friends we drank bottles of wine I went back to the Flyers locker room what an awesome trip

[@deserttrainguy3235]

Still makes the hair stand up. It was must watch TV back in the day.

[@ronwilson8649]

Coming from an American it truly is a beautiful anthem from start to finish. Learned it myself watching Hockey Night in Canada Channel 9 Windsor

[@batmous]

Man, the Habs sure could use Doucet's singing as a hologram right about now

[@beast1960]

You're right about that.

[@itchyallover9]

None better. The Greatest of All Time ( G.O.A.T. ) IMHO

[@RDriver2.0]

Love this French guy. The man is a legend. Best anthem singer in the north..

[@BramHepburn]

Late 70s Bruins/Montreal playoffs were epic. With all the great Boston sports I've watched over the years, still nothing compares. In Montreal, the crowd wearing formal attire, no jumbotron blasting, just the natural buzz of the fans at the Montreal Forum building up to Roget Doucette singing Oh Canada in French. I sometimes wonder if the over stimulation of today's world, with 120 pro sports teams to keep track of, and the internet and 800 TV channels delutes our "fan" experience. In 1977 I was a senior in high school and kids in school would be talking about the upcoming game when it was playoff time. I remember not being able to concentrate on my school work and counting down the hours til game time. I know the skill level today is 10 times better. But just watching this pre game video brings back memories that left an impact. And if the game was in Boston, don't get me going on that ! It was working class gladiators in a smoke filled coliseum And if we won a big game, the crowd poured out onto the street like delirious cattle. It was really something. And I really miss it. In case you couldn't tell!

[@normanlinden5786]

The Habs were so dominant back in those days that many times Mr. Doucet's rendering of O' Canada was the most exciting part of the evening.

[@rebelbaron7003]

As a Chicago Blackhawks fan then living in Illinois,later becoming a Philadelphia Flyer fan,hating "Les Habs" with a passion,I got chills when Rogie Ducet sang "Oh Canada". I loved the emotion he put into the song. Honestly,I was never real crazy about the "Star Spangled Banner" It wasnt until we moved to Philly and the Flyers introduced Kate Smiths "God Bless America" occasionally before games that an anthem made me tear up and buckled my knees. But I love our Canadian friends up north,ice hockey,their country,and their glorious anthem. Even being an American,looking at the Canadian Rockies and hearing your anthem,chokes a person up.

[@davidduckworth2338]

Right back at u brother, were lucky to have u guys as neighbors

[@davidpepin5709]

You Blackhawks fans are spoiled. Jim Cornielson is THE best right now. Wish they'd start making the playoffs again.

[@robertoautore9252]

What a voice, one of the greatest, Roger Doucet, GO HABS GO !!

[@thomast8553]

I used to love to watch Roger Ducet sing the nation anthem at he Forum. It was electric. It was just a completely different game back then. Today’s game has no character. I loved how you can see the heads of people from the crowd when they stood fo a. Montreal goal.

[@beast1960]

I liked that too. Same with the LA Forum, but Montreal scored more back then.

[@oldones59]

I agree with what you said about modern hockey. The worst is negating 2 line offsides passes from behind a team's own blueline. It's encouraged forwards to cheat for stretch passes. That's lazy play and I hate it.

[@beast1960]

And could see the heads of the fans when Canadiens scored a goal too.

[@ltypd]

@@oldones59 sudden death and shootouts after regulation games are pretty bad too

[@wilnerolivier7971]

@@ltypd Can live with the sudden death!! But I have so much disdain for the shootout.

[@michaelparish9645]

Saturday night in northern NewYork I always love this either on CBC 11 English or CBC 9 French channel this is now I always sing the National anthem of Canada

[@BudSchnelker]

Same thing here in Western New York, CBC 5 out of Toronto. Except I wouldn't sing the new, woke version if you paid me.

[@quiricomazarin476]

Plattsburgh

[@rosshageman951]

@@BudSchnelker Fellow Western New Yorker here. HNIC was must see TV at our house.

[@v0n1b0]

Rene Rancourt who did the anthems for the Bruins (O Canada included when there was a Canadian team visiting) was no slouch either.

[@davidpepin5709]

Especially in the old Boston Garden. When the crowd popped so hard for "the rockets' red glare" that you could hardly hear the rest of the song, the Bruins just fed off it.

[@stephenrychlenski550]

As an American and Rangers fan I was like who's this guy? You have everything to be proud of what a voice! You can feel the patriotism in his singing.

[@todd4317]

Simply the best ever, in any sport. If the players, crowd and those watching the game on TV weren't pumped for the game after his performance, they needed to check their pulses.

[@wmarkdyer]

The best singer for the best team.

[@ronaldgiordano2070]

What a treat, this still gives me chills

[@billyrock8305]

#1. Pure Canadian 🇨🇦 The legend. 👍

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

You knew you were in for a hard hockey match starting with the marvelous voice of Roget Doucet!…and I’m a Bruins fan.

[@jameszoleo3194]

Fantastic the best ever to this day

[@hockeyfanism]

Nothing like it and I am American. Watching Lafleur listening to Roger is a moment.

[@patriceboucher5582]

I never forget Doucet … each time i listen O canada on my tv

[@plantcitychuck2551]

I lived in vt 2 hrs from montreal.we used to get several canadian channels on tv and I remember watching those games with Danny galvin and dick irvin and the great roget.nan this brought me back to my childhood

[@alanbutler43]

"we stand on guard for rights and liberty" - first time I have ever heard this version and today is Nov. 20, 2023. And I'm 55 years old

[@beast1960]

He did that in 78 and I think 79 seasons

[@l.stella9647]

God this brings back memories

[@mike62mcmanus]

A great guy Roger, he loved kids sports and always had a big smile when watching the Trophies given out, he had brain cancer and would also come down to the hood to get some Hash to smoke to help his appetite because of chemo...

[@hockeyfanism]

This is when hockey was pure and REAL.

[@fatherscottalbergate]

Roger Doucet: The G.O.A.T.

[@guydemers7607]

Our anthem, sung by the great Roger Doucet, elegant and powerful, and lyrics not interpreted by some pc politician. i will always use original lyrics.

[@jimmymeragias6170]

All time best. No comparison.

[@beast1960]

You are absolutely correct!

[@todd4317]

God Bless America was also a beautiful anthem to be sung prior to sporting events.

[@quiricomazarin476]

Portez la Croix....carry the cross & defeat the enemies of christendom....love our French national anthem.

[@brianhutton2581]

mr.doucet was the best great voice.

[@beast1960]

Sure was. Game wasn't a game without him.

[@DGibbon57]

The Shwami sent me here

[@galenklassen8634]

I love the sound of the organ

[@beast1960]

Yeah, something about that organ and him singing

[@RayJacksonbighmw]

@@beast1960 I believe that would be Claudette Auchu on the Montreal Forum Hammond Organ accompanying the pipes of Roger Doucet and the voice of Claude Mouton who served as public address announcer every Canadiens home game.

[@robertlegault9226]

He was the G.O.A.T.

[@johndemars2551]

Great memories.

[@Kael7777]

That is how O Canada should be song.

[@thomast8553]

When the Flyers played there I loved to listen to Gene Hart describe the Forum with over twenty Stanley Cup Championship banners and announce Roger Doucet.

[@ltypd]

Anybody know what the Flyers record was when they played Kate Smith singing God Bless America?

[@michaelparish9645]

@@ltypd RIP Kate but the Hans took game four in the finals 1976 for the cup.

[@JD-ps6ou]

He was the best

[@lawrencekeats4105]

When a true Canadian shows What we are.

[@Deadmancrawler]

"We stand on guard for rights and liberty" was that suppose 2 b there??? Wat am i missing here??

[@martinpatrick1746]

Roger welcome Guy to heaven

[@johncritch6812]

It would be special if they played that video tonite in honor of Guy Lafleur.

[@wilnerolivier7971]

That would've been cool!! But some of the words to the anthem has changed since the days of Roger Doucet.

[@beast1960]

@@wilnerolivier7971 Would have been cool indeed.

[@RDriver2.0]

For rights and liberty. I wish they leave our anthem alone!

[@beast1960]

That was a part in the late 70s I believe. Not sure what the story was.

[@karlcooper7016]

God's gift to canada.

[@beast1960]

Yep

[@karlcooper7016]

@@beast1960 Hell he was a gift to the USA as well especially if you are a hockey fan like I was back then.

[@beast1960]

@@karlcooper7016 Totally agree. A treasure for sure.

[@karlcooper7016]

@@beast1960 they don't make them like that anymore.

[@beast1960]

@@karlcooper7016 Unfortunately, no they don't.

[@hoss-lk4bg]

30 second anthem, I believe his boy lives in georgia

[@TheSunTheSea]

Bring back the original lyrics

[@robertcandeloro9944]

The besr! 🇨🇦

[@beast1960]

I also think he's the only singer I've seen not to use a carpet and just stand on the ice.

[@joemcneilly]

It would have been cool to hear Luciano Pavarotti sing this.

[@RayJacksonbighmw]

Or Andrea Bocelli.

[@allanbrooks3060]

Hockey night in Canada

[@christosnikitakis6675]

I thought that many times, at his peak, that his head would burst. With brain debris slapping the ice. He used to turn purple, then brown.

[@TheTraktergirl]

Ah yes, the day of the organ playing in the background... wasn't expecting the right and liberty though

[@beast1960]

He did that I believe in 78 and maybe 79 but around those years for some reason.

[@stevejohnson1577]

Real anthem… not the woke bullshit one

[@joemcmaster3185]

@@stevejohnson1577 Unique lyrics made up by Doucet, if that's what you mean by 'real'.

[@rebelbaron7003]

I didnt hear "God keep our land Glorious and free O Canada We stand on guard For thee.....

[@schimmelfennig1863]

This game was after Lanny killed the Isles..right?

[@classicplaylists8052]

They don't make 'em like that anymore.

[@kj6446]

Meanwhile in Calgary you can enjoy a heaping helping of Southern drawl

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

Is he in The Hockey Hall of Fame? If not, he should be…

[@beast1960]

Should be

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@beast1960 Right next to Kate Smith!

[@williamhughes5260]

I@@Bradydog-in7ut I remember when I visited the Hockey Hall of Fame in the early 2000s, his microphone was on display, with part of his rendition of the anthem in the background.

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@williamhughes5260 He is well deserving of a special place in HOF.

[@RayJacksonbighmw]

Roger Doucet for HHOF!!!@@Bradydog-in7ut

[@TheWctman]

We stand on guard for rights and liberty...what the hell is that? Never heard this version.

[@beast1960]

Apparently it was something he added for a couple of years.

[@peachman1970]

@@beast1960 Nope...those were the actual lyrics prior to some changes to the lyrics in early 1980s.

[@OldRustySteele]

@@peachman1970Actually it was a version popular in Quebec in the late 1970’s when the Separatists Movement was going on. The rest of Canada did not sing it that way.

[@masonmanna829]

It sounds like he speak in French and English

[@beast1960]

First part French, last part English. Was his style.

[@327143]

So electric. So Canada.

[@celestemackenzie2024]

Any idea which channel this was? CBC? I don't recognize the broadcaster.

[@beast1960]

I'm guessing it's CBC broadcast. It was a Canadian broadcast.

[@beast1960]

The broadcaster is Dick Irvin.

[@wmarkdyer]

HNIC. Danny Gallivan would have called this game.

[@quiricomazarin476]

Ch 6 cbc Canada

[@peachman1970]

Dick Irvin. He was only on Hockey Night in Canada for about 50 years.

[@daveyboy_]

The Forum and their fans used to be class . No they boo the American National anthem and train horns blare on your ear if they score.

[@beast1960]

That's sad. And they haven't won a Cup in years, so there's that.

[@daveyboy_]

@@beast1960 they haven't ? Good thing you brought that up .

[@beast1960]

@@daveyboy_ At least they were in the first finals since 93 last year, even though I had forgotten about that. Haven't forgotten 93 as they beat the Kings.

[@peachman1970]

They only booed the American anthem after the USA invaded Iraq looking for 'weapons of mass destruction' and killing many innocent Iraqi civilians including children.

[@rnorth8812]

Every team has a goal horn so if you complain about theirs you need to complain about them all.

[@mdayubalibisnes2586]

The steady candle conversly risk because kendo contrarily frighten times a therapeutic thunderstorm. furry furtive, judicious dog

[@mfh6982]

The best!