Writer / Kara Reibel
Photography provided
Listening to the National Anthem is standard procedure at games, regardless of the sport. For hockey, who sings this is as important and as heartfelt as the mascot and the team itself. For the Indy Fuel, they selected Purdue Glee Club alum Eric Wickens as their Official Voice of the National Anthem.
Wickens has been singing for most of his life. His vocal career started with his grade school choir, then on to the Purdue Glee Club. As an adult, he has worked with Community Civic Theater and eventually auditioned with the Indianapolis Opera. After eight seasons with the Opera chorus, he felt led in the direction of singing the National Anthem, given his larger-than-life voice.
The first time Wickens sang the National Anthem was at a Purdue Women’s Basketball game. One of his collegiate advisors was a strong sponsor of the women’s basketball program and suggested to Wickens to perform in Mackey Arena to the crowd. Wickens enjoyed it, yet a decade would pass before he would do an encore performance of the National Anthem.
Computer programmer by day, National Anthem singer by night, Wickens balances his creative and artistic sense through his music. Wickens recently release a CD, titled “Comfort.” The CD showcases his classical roots.
Hockey teams are obsessive about their traditions, as in most sports. As an affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Indy Fuel embrace the concept of creating traditions. Wickens’ role with the Indy Fuel replicates that of Jim Cornelison with the Blackhawks. Cornelison has been the Official Voice of the Chicago Blackhawks for over seven years.
“Working with the Indy Fuel has been a wonderful, unique opportunity,” shares Wickens. “Being the Official Voice for the Indy Fuel by performing the National Anthem bridges arts and sports.”
For more information on the Indy Fuel, please visit indyfuelhockey.com, and for more information on Eric Wickens or to purchase his CD, visit ericwickens.com.
