How a 10-year-old ended up singing a national anthem duet with Karen Newman

MiHockey received an email today from Emily Gauthier, a hockey parent with a story to tell about her daughter taking the ice not for a game, but for a national anthem instead. Here is Emily’s story:

Jessica has been a “hockey sister” since the day she was born, but this time the “hockey sister” stole the show!

My daughter Jessica Gauthier (10 years old) learned to sing the U.S. National Anthem in music class at school this year.  She loves to sing, and has been looking for an opportunity to sing it.  We were at the Red Wing Alumni game at the Troy Sports Center on Saturday (Jan. 26), and I happened to ask them just minutes ahead of time if they had someone to sing the anthem.  They said they did, but that she was a no-show.  So, they asked my daughter if she would like to sing it.  Within minutes, she was ushered out onto the red carpet.  Just as they were about to announce her, Karen Newman came running down the red carpet out on to the ice.  My heart just sunk. I was sure now Jessica wasn’t going to be able to sing, after being so excited minutes ago!  Karen saw Jessica standing there and must have figured it out.  She looked at Jessica and asked, “Are we singing a duet?”  So the two sang the duet of the anthem.  After, Karen told the crowd that was the best anthem she’s ever heard, and I’m serious!  She had the crowd give Jessica a round of applause.  It was a very thunderous applause!  As they came off the red carpet, Karen told Jessica what a beautiful voice she had, and to never give up her singing!  Karen was just amazing!

Here’s a YouTube video of the performance; we think Jessica’s music teacher, Schwarzkoff Elementary’s Dr. Fox, will be pleased with how she did in under pressure.

Have a hockey story to share? Email MiHockey editor Michael Caples (mcaples@mihockeynow.com).