One of the most familiar voices in Ottawa has been silent lately.
Retired OPP constable Lyndon Slewidge has not performed the national anthem ahead of Ottawa Senators games at the Canadian Tire Centre so far this season, prompting concerns on social media.
(Is Lyndon Slewidge okay?)
— Bonk's Mullet (@BonksMullet) October 15, 2016
.@Senators Where is Lyndon Slewidge, is he OK? #Sens
— Dave Robinson (@chiefdave74) October 15, 2016
Where is Lyndon anyway? @JonRowson: A @Senators game is not a @Senators game without Lyndon Slewidge.
— John Ross (@notinrussell) October 15, 2016
The Ottawa Senators have issued a statement saying Slewidge will still sing the anthem at some games this season, but not as often as before.
As part of the Senators 25th anniversary celebrations, the team is trying a number of new in-arena activations for the fans, including inviting other performers and artists to sing the national anthems. This does not mean Lyndon will not be invited to sing at games in the future, just not as often as he had in previous seasons.
In an interview with Postmedia, Slewidge said he has not heard from the hockey club about a contract for the current season.
Slewidge has been the Ottawa Senators' official anthem singer for over two decades.