An InPREDible Night: Dierks Bentley Sings the National Anthem in the Stanley Cup Finals

With a (hat) trick up his sleeve, Dierks Bentley can check another item off his bucket list. Last night, he had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem before a Nashville Predators game ... in the Stanley Cup Finals, no less.

As Dierks said in an interview just a month ago, "It's one of those songs that's tough to do, but I'd be honored to get the call."

Just hours before the game, Dierks posted a video of his rally chair "in his house," leading the general public to believe he would be absent from the Game 4 festivities.

Best seat in the house! At least in my house... ready for Game 4 #stanleycupplayoffs #stanleycup #GoPreds

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jun 5, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT

DB Congress members knew better. There's no way he would sit out a game of that importance (especially when home in Nashville)! There had to be something more behind the scenes.

Sure enough, as DB Congress Chair Ronna Clark said, "I knew as soon as they said 13x Grammy nominee!"

Despite being on vocal rest, with his iconic "whiskey-soaked grit in his voice," Dierks reverently sang our nation's anthem. For such a high-energy performer, this rendition was appropriately solemn and honoring (especially when singing "that our flag was still there"). Without fanfare or showboating, it was the Star Spangled Banner as it was written.


He even donned a Kevin Fiala jersey (unique from many artists who have worn their own name on their backs) in support of the Predators' forward who broke his leg in April.

As a Predators season ticket holder (and #1 fan), though he's been silent on social media since last night, one can only imagine the joy he felt in taking on this role.

No Bandwagon Here
His hockey love goes beyond sitting in the stands. He has spent quality time on the ice as a center for the Nashville Iceholes, giving him a "way to clear his head from the hustle and bustle of the road." He was also an honorary Predator For A Day last year.

Hockey has become a Bentley family affair, if photos and videos are any indication. Throughout the season, and especially during the Predators' playoff run, his wife Cassidy, and their kids have been cheering along. The band has been in on the action, as well, as have many friends, including Luke Bryan (with whom he facetiously takes credit for the playoff success!).

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jun 3, 2017 at 3:58pm PDT

His son, Knox, is taking after dad and becoming quite the hockey player himself! (That look, though!)

Knox is ready in case he gets the call... how about the look he shoots me at the end of this?! He's a @violentgentlemen. #GoPreds @nhlpreds #stanleycup

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on May 23, 2017 at 5:22pm PDT

Country music star and hockey player, with red, white and blue in his veins, last night's surprise performance will, no doubt, be one Dierks will "hold on" to for years to come.

*The Predators won, putting the series at 2-2 against the Penguins.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe