The Vancouver Canucks have fired longtime anthem singer Mark Donnelly after he confirmed that he will be singing at an anti-mask rally on Saturday.
The Vancouver Sun reported that Donnelly confirmed he will sing ‘O Canada’ at the B.C. Christmas Freedom Rally 2020 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, protesting COVID-19 restrictions.
Shortly after the Vancouver Sun published its story, Vancouver Canucks owner Franceso Aquilini tweeted: “Hey @VancouverSun change the headline to ‘Former Canucks anthem singer.’ #wearamask.”
The team confirmed Aquilini’s decision and released a statement from COO Trent Carroll.
“Mark Donnelly is acting independently and we hope the public understands he is not representing the Vancouver Canucks,” and “We encourage everyone to wear a mask and to follow the provincial health orders.”
A Facebook event for the rally at the art gallery said the protest will be similar to the several others held at the same location over the past few months, “except more emphasis on being joyous, jovial, and festive.”
“We will have Christmas music as well as the typical freedom related music we have always played!” the Facebook event says.
Two-hundred-seventy-nine people have said they will attend on Facebook.
Hey @VancouverSun change the headline to "Former Canucks anthem singer." #wearamask https://t.co/UZX5agK4pl
— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) December 5, 2020
