Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - In an open letter to hockey fans, longtime Buffalo Sabres national anthem performer Doug Allen announced his decision to pass on the duty this season, citing COVID protocols.
"This letter is to inform the great hockey fans of Western New York and Canada, that because of the vaccination policy adopted by the Sabres organization, I will not be singing the national anthems to start each Sabres home games this year," wrote Allen in the latter widely circulated on social media.
In the letter, Allen acknowledges there are many he believes need the vaccine, but states, "I am old enough to understand the importance of choice and the freedom of being an American."
Newly adopted guidelines from Erie County require all attendees age 12 and older at events at both Key Bank Center and Highmark Stadium to provide proof of vaccination for access to the facilities.
