Blackhawks' anthem voice Jim Cornelison ranks among NHL's best

Cornelison is the singer linked with the Blackhawks' stirring pregame; he's been the dramatic tenor fronting the Star-Spangled Banner in Chicago since about the late 2000s.

His style is rich, powerful and steady, something that works with fans who have turned the anthem into a spectacle of support long before faceoff.

The Hockey Writers included Cornelison in their list of NHL's 5 Best National Anthem Singers of All-Time, placing him squarely in the league's folklore of anthem voices. The Hockey Writers That's notable because the article spans decades of pantheon names, from historic Montreal Forum voices to long-time Boston Bruins crooners.

Cornelison's inclusion isn't a surprise to Blackhawks fans who've experienced the United Center on game night. The anthem has evolved into something more than a song; Chicago fans routinely cheer and show pride while he sings. Chicago Blackhawks History and Memories That loud tradition actually started back in 1985 before a playoff game, way before Cornelison's era.

What separates Cornelison on a list like this isn't just volume, it's connection. His voice doesn't just fill a stadium, it invites the crowd into the moment, letting the anthem become part of the pregame emotion. The Hockey Writers And that's why he stands alongside legends who spent decades defining anthem culture in their own rinks.

Critics and fans often debate the greatest moments in Blackhawks history, from Stanley Cup runs to iconic goals. But when you ask a United Center regular about the pregame atmosphere, they'll tell you the anthem is its own kind of highlight.

Cornelison's work transcends hockey on its own. He's performed for other major Chicago sporting events and even at big national races, earning respect well beyond NHL ice.

Blackhawks fans know the anthem isn't a prelude, it's part of the ritual. Having that tradition recognised among the NHL's best anthem voices is a badge of pride.