For the past few years, I’ve had the honor of playing the anthem prior to the Boston University men’s hockey games for a game or two each season. This season: it doesn’t seem likely. Some of my favorite moments were at BU anthems:

• bringing my family and watching them from the home team’s penalty box while I played the anthem
• hanging out backstage and a referee coming over to tell me he remembered me from the year before and was looking forward to hearing my anthem version again
• having another referee skate over to me after the anthem to tell me he enjoyed it
• finishing playing and seeing my photo appear on their social feeds
• getting the free gear, which I wear often around the house
• getting to know the staff over the years

Every year I reach out to someone to my contact at the Agganis Arena and set up a date. This year, they asked I complete a form and they’ll review all the applications for hockey games. After completing the form in early September, I reached out and they said they’re still looking into it despite the season already starting. Another email came through a few weeks later about playing the basketball games played at the Case Gym which I completed as well. The basketball team replied asking if I was a student – given I’m not, it seems that’s the exclusive route they’re going.

Given the circumstances, it doesn’t seem likely – but this may be an opportunity to finish my rock/ full-on distortion version that I’ve been working on…