Who is Doug Allen? Why former Sabres national anthem singer is stepping in for 'throwback' Game 7

The Sabres are set to compete in one of the most consequential games in their history on Monday, taking on the Canadiens in Game 7 in their own confines.

Buffalo is pulling out all the stops ahead of its matchup, attempting to exorcise its postseason demons after years of misfortune. Its latest tactic? Seeking out a beloved voice that danced across the ice during the franchise's peak years.

With that, here's what you need to know about the man tasked with delivering the Canadian and U.S. national anthems on Monday night, Doug Allen.

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Why is Doug Allen singing Sabres-Canadiens national anthem?

The Sabres enlisted a familiar voice to deliver "O Canada" and "The Star Spangled Banner" ahead of Monday's game. Instead of giving the responsibility to Cami Clune, the organization's go-to pregame voice, the organization handed the reins to a guest: Doug Allen.

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it is. Allen was Buffalo's national anthem singer for decades before stepping away from the organization in 2021 over its COVID-19 vaccination policy.

The Buffalo News' Mike Harrington confirmed that Allen would serve as the Game 7 national anthem singer.

As many of you surmised, the #Sabres list Doug Allen as the anthem singer tonight. They’re going old school for this one. #Dougie

Who is Doug Allen?

Allen's voice spilled from KeyBank Center's speakers for years, dating back to his initial days on the mic in the early 1990s. His performances were often punctuated with a dramatic point to the camera.

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Dressed in his signature tuxedo, Allen — a Gowanda, New York native — breathed life into the concourses ahead of Sabres contests. He'll look to do the same in Game 7, taking the mantle from Clune, a noteworthy vocal talent all her own.

What happened to Doug Allen and the Sabres?

Allen's decision to leave his longtime employer was entirely his decision. In Sept. 2021, Allen — then 57 years old — stepped away from the Sabres, citing their COVID-19 policy as the reason for his departure.

Allen said his desire to choose not to get vaccinated was a reason for his exit. Buffalo's policy required that spectators and game-day employees be vaccinated.

“I am not anti-vaccine,” Allen wrote in a letter to Sabres fans (via Tucson.com). “There are many people at risk who should get it. But, I am old enough to understand the importance of choice and the freedom of being an American. I had COVID in January of 2021. I now have natural immunity, so I am choosing to not get vaccinated.”

Allen cited no ill will with the franchise, praising the Sabres for letting him sing for nearly 30 years. In his letter, he also expressed the hope that he could return to KeyBank Center and croon once more.

“They’ve been so good to me," Allen wrote. "I don’t want to harm that relationship, and hey, maybe there will be a time in the future when I can sing again. I don’t know.”

Allen was a part-time employee with Buffalo, doubling as a full-time worker at an auto parts store.