Dawn Wright Steps Down as Anaheim Ducks Anthem Singer
By Ciara Durant
After almost 10 years as the Anaheim Ducks anthem singer, Dawn Wright is putting down the mic to focus on more important things.
Since the 2009-10 season, Dawn Wright has been a staple at Honda Center. When walking into the arena on game day, or when those of us who watch from home turn on the TV, we know that we’re always going to be treated to a spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that would make our nation proud. Her goosebump-inducing key change has become a trademark at Anaheim Ducks home games. Shouting her name as we sing “by the dawn’s early light” has been a long-held tradition during her tenure as the franchise’s anthem singer.
Unfortunately, the beloved anthem singer was one of the many who fell victim to the Anaheim Ducks relentless injury bug. She revealed early in the season that she had been struggling with vocal chord issues and would be having surgery to correct it in January 2019. However, due to the complexities surrounding the surgery, she put down the mic for the rest of the 2018-19 season.
Her presence at Honda Center was sorely missed last season, as she always opened up home games with her positive and infectious energy. Her return has been anticipated by many fans as the Anaheim Ducks prepare for the 2019-20 season. However, the NHL announced earlier this afternoon that she has made the decision to step down as the Anaheim Ducks anthem singer, passing the mic off to Tim Kepler.
More from Ducks News
- Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
- Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
- Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
- How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?
Dawn has made the admirable decision to step away so she can spend more time with her family. Her two daughters are growing up, and she has expressed that she doesn’t want to miss a moment with them, especially as life gets busier the older her girls get.
"“They’ll be out of the house before I know it, and I don’t want to miss anything. It’s just really hard to kind of run around and do everything. The season before this past season I missed a few more games than I would have liked, and it was because it was just getting busier.” -Dawn Wright"
It takes a lot of integrity to give up what you love for the ones you love, but Dawn realizes what is more important, and that is her family. Fortunately, she will still be attending Anaheim Ducks games with her family throughout the season and has expressed her desire to fill in should an opportunity open up. For now, Dawn is going to enjoy coaching her daughter’s softball team, substitute teaching, and spending more time with the ones she loves the most.
As much as we will miss Dawn and her breathtaking performances of the National Anthem, we wish her the best of luck in this next chapter of her life. This likely isn’t the last we will see of her. In the meantime, however, we’re in good hands with Tim Kempler.
Ducks Eventually Made A Good Impression In Preseason Game. dark. Next
Do you love the Anaheim Ducks enough to write about them? With a new season about to start, Pucks of a Feather is looking for more dedicated contributors to add to our team! We’d love for you to apply and it’s as easy as using the link above!