Oilers fans step up when mic fails during Star-Spangled Banner

Well done!

Going to Oilers games, the anthems were always the highlight. Paul Lorieau could belt them out with his classy voice, but the crowd was always right behind him.

It's an incredible experience to have tens of thousands of people joining in the same activity! It's hard to know if we do it out of respect, love of country, or simply because of the sense of common community. Or all of the above! In any case, it's awesome!

Not to be a bubble-burster, but this has happened before. Americans are impressed that we know the words. No problem guys, just don't start hollering out for requests.

That was an amazing display of class

I remember that. I don't think I saw the news clips of the American news people commenting on it though. I'm surprised that they were surprised that Canadians knew the words to The Star Spangled Banner actually. I don't think anything of it and I thought it was a given that everyone did know the words especially if you follow sports at all.

I'm also quite sure that this has happened another time at least or more. I just haven't looked it up.

Only 2 examples found in a quick search, I'm sure there are more out there....

Toronto, 20 November 2014.....

Canadian Hockey Fans Rescue U.S. National Anthem, Prove They�re The Nicest

Vancouver, 19 October 2016.....

Canucks fans stepped in to sing the U.S. and Canadian anthems when the singer's microphone died

I am going to go out on a limb and say that American season ticket holders in the Atlantic division for sure, and probably the Pacific division as well could pull off the Canadian National Anthem (English version only) if they had too. They have heard it thousands of times before due to the makeup of the divisions. I remember watching a Bruins game a few years ago after the Parliament Hill shootings. Two American teams were playing, but they played the Canadian National Anthem out of respect as a show of solidarity to Canada. You could see people in the stands mouthing out the words. If the mike went dead it probably would not be as good as this latest version by the oilers fans because we Americans are taught to be be very still and stoic during the National Anthem. People stop walking to their seats when an Anthem starts playing. People stop talking. People even stop drinking if you can believe that. Its kinda weird. No one wants to draw attention to themselves during a National Anthem lest they be socialy ostracized. There was always respect at the playing of a National Anthem, but the level of intensity went up a thousand fold after 9/11.