Paul Lorieau singing the anthem during a game in 1984.

On April 8, 2011 when the Oilers play their final home game of the regular season, Oilers Anthem Singer Paul Lorieau will perform in front of a sold-out Rexall Place one final time. Paul Lorieau, the Edmonton Oilers anthem singer for 30 years, has decided this will be his final season singing the national anthems at Rexall Place. A special pre-game ceremony will be held to honour the Oilers longest-standing anthem singer and to give Oil Country a chance to salute Paul for 30 great years.

“The singing of the anthem is very important at an NHL game and we’ve been fortunate to have Paul Lorieau lead Oil Country in song for 30 years now,” said Patrick LaForge, Oilers President and COO. “When Paul was introduced to sing the anthems everyone in the building, those listening on the radio and TV viewers from coast to coast could count on a performance that was first class, robust and sung properly. He’s represented the Oilers fans so well.”

The beloved Lorieau joined the Oilers in 1981 and has since performed O’Canada and the Star Spangled Banner for three decades of Oilers fans. Paul has always been a favourite of Oilers fans, but no time more than the 2006 Playoff Run when he created his trademark move of sharing the microphone with fans to join in for the singing of Canada’s national anthem.

“Being able to personally witness all of the Oilers great moments here at Rexall Place, including seven retirement banners, has been a real treat for me over the years,” said Paul Lorieau. “I’ve heard it said that the Oilers have the best fans in the NHL and I couldn’t agree more, it’s been a pleasure to sing the anthem for each and every one of them.”

A limited number of tickets remain available for Paul Lorieau’s final game on April 8.

Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented in part by the Rexall Family of Pharmacies, Molson Canadian, ATB Financial, Cenovus Energy and Ford.