CHICAGO — On Sunday evening, the Chicago Blackhawks’ organist, Frank Pellico, concluded his remarkable 33-year tenure with the team. Pellico’s journey with the organization began in 1991, and since then, he has become a beloved figure at games, captivating fans with his musical talent.
Following Pellico’s departure, Carrie Marcotte, who joined him as an organist during the 2018-19 season, will continue to provide music for Blackhawks games. The team honored Pellico during their final Original Six game of the season, which resulted in a 5-2 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Throughout the match, tributes to Pellico were a constant presence, featuring a lovely arrangement of red and white flowers in the organ area and two gold “3” balloons, marking his jersey number.
Amidst the excitement, a special ceremony took place during the first period. The Blackhawks presented a video that recapped Pellico’s significant contributions over the years. The audience responded with a standing ovation, and players from both the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs showed their respect by tapping their sticks on the ice in honor of Pellico.
The poignant moment moved Pellico, who created a heart gesture with his hands and waved to acknowledge the crowd’s appreciation during the heartfelt applause. A final burst of cheers erupted as he played the last note of his final performance, a fitting end for an organist who has been a central part of the team’s spirit for over three decades.
