BOSTON, MA - The Boston Bruins announced today, January 17, that longtime anthem singer, Rene Rancourt will retire at the end of the 2017-2018 season.

Rancourt has performed the national anthem at Bruins games for over 40 years, since the 1975-1976 season. Rancourt's signature fist-pump following the anthem was modeled after the "Stump Pump" of former Bruin Randy Burridge.

One of his most notable performances was at the Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres game on April 17, 2013, during which the crowd joined him in singing the national anthem.

The Lewiston, Maine native is a trained opera singer and first began singing the national anthem at Boston Red Sox games. Rancourt is a veteran of the United States Army.

The Bruins will honor Rancourt at the Boston Bruins final regular season game on April 8 against the Florida Panthers.