NHL National Anthems: The Final Four

This post is for my 3-year-old daughter, who stays up late each night so that she can watch the anthems. Her favourite is Jeff Jimmerson, with Katherine Fritsch a close second.

The final four national anthem singers in the 2009 playoffs -- 2 guys, 2 gals, 4 different styles, all great singers.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins - Jeff Jimmerson
   First performance for the Pens was in December 1990. Has been a regular with the Pens since the mid 1990s. Performs in local band Airborne. Appeared in the film "Sudden Death", playing himself.
   Video: Youtube
   Article: Anthem singer fires up Mellon crowd (TribLIVE)
   Other: Jeff Jimmerson Fan Club via Facebook
   
   
2. Carolina Hurricanes - Katherine Fritsch
   10 years old, in her second season with the Hurricanes. First sang with the 'Canes back in 2006-07. Took over from Holly Wilver, a former Hurricanes Storm Squad member. Discovered by 'Canes staff at the Jimmy V Junior Golf Classic. Wants to be a vet when she grows up.
   
   Video: Youtube
   Articles: NC Spin Online, Canes Country
   
   
3. Detroit Red Wings - Karen Newman
   Has been singing with the Red Wings for over 15 years. Before that she was a multiple winner on Ed McMahon's Star Search, sang backup with Kid Rock and Bob Seger. Has released a few cd's, including a holiday album. Was once a hairstylist and has a twin sister, Kathy.
   
   Video: MySpace
   Articles: Wikipedia, Kukla's Korner
   Other: Karen on Facebook, Karen on Myspace
   
   
4. Chicago Blackhawks - Jim Cornelison (singer) & Frank Pellico (organist)
   From NHL.com: "Chicago's anthem tradition began during the 1985 conference finals against Edmonton. After dropping the first two games of the series on the road, Hawks fans entered Chicago Stadium on May 9 fully energized and ready to help their team get back into the series. The crowd was so excited they cheered all the way through the National Anthem — and the tradition stuck."
   
   Jim Cornelison is a former professional opera singer, coaches basketball in his spare time, and is currently a real estate agent in Chicago with Rubloff Residential Properties. He's been a professional singer since 1993. Sung off-and-on with the Blackhawks since 1995. Has been the full-time singer for the Hawks since the start of the 2008-09 season.
   
   Pellico is 66 years old and has been playing the organ for the Blackhawks since 1991. He's also played for the Chicago Cubs. He plays a custom-designed Allen organ, installed in the United Centre to replicate the original Barton organ at Chicago Stadium. Cool link: Pellico & roller rinks.
   
   Articles: Jim Cornelison, Frank Pellico
   Video: Anthem, A night in the life of Jim, Frank Pellico, Blackhawks organist
   Also: Jim's YouTube channel (includes full bio + videos)