The Chicago Blackhawks experienced a game of two emotions on February 23rd. While they took a tough 5-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the spotlight shined on a different farewell—Frank Pellico’s final game as the team’s organist after 33 incredible seasons. Since 1991, his music has been the pulse of the Blackhawks. Therefore, the team ensured they gave him a befitting send-off. The team showed the players a video during the game’s first break. And when this video was over, the fans stood up and applauded him. Both the players from the teams tapped their sticks in respect. With a heart-shaped gesture and a wave, an emotional Pellico took it all in.

The night was filled with little touches to celebrate his legacy—red and white flowers in the organ room, golden “3” balloons, and one final song that brought the crowd to its feet. Though Carrie Marcotte remains the team organist, Pellico will remain a Blackhawk by his side. Looking back, he can’t help but reflect on how he “luckily” landed this legendary role at Chicago Blackhawks—a 33-year journey of music, memories, and pure Chicago magic.

In a clip shared by Phillip Thompson, Chicago Tribune’s sports guy on X, the legendary Blackhawks organist shared the unexpected way he landed his iconic role. “After the game was over, I wanted to get a souvenir. So I went down to Concession County, and my friend was walking slow,” he recalled.

As his friend lagged, he overheard a couple chatting. “Boy, did I like the music tonight,” one said. The other responded, “Well, I don’t know, I didn’t do anything different.”

Pellico’s friend saw an opportunity and jumped in. “Would you like to see the organ? He’s buying a souvenir,” he offered. That simple exchange turned into a moment of recognition. “They said they haven’t heard the organ played that way since Al Belgarde originally was the organist from way back when,” Pellico shared. “I say, how lucky can I be? I studied with Al when I was in high school.”

But the surprises weren’t over. Wanting to stay in touch, Pellico mentioned, “I do a lot of concerts. Would you like me to let you know if I’m doing one? Give me your name and address, and I’ll let you know.”

They happily wrote it down, and as he walked out of the stadium, Pellico turned to his friend and asked, “Who are Bill and Alice Wertz?” That’s when it hit him—the couple he had just spoken to were the owners of the Blackhawks. “As it went on, they wanted me to be the organist there, and everything worked out fine,” he said with a smile.

The Chicago Blackhawks gave Frank Pellico a great send-off in the form of a tribute video. As the voiceover started, Frank’s clips in his traditional chair and the photographs from the past years took over the screen. “Blackhawks fans, tonight we celebrate the legendary career of Blackhawks organist Frank Pellico,” it began, honoring his journey since 1991—starting on the historic Barton organ at Chicago Stadium and later helping design the United Center’s current organ.

From building up home games to celebrating Stanley Cup victories and the 2009 Winter Classic, his music became the soul of Chicago hockey.

“Frank, your talent and passion have left an undeniable mark on this franchise and this city,” the voiceover went on. “On behalf of the entire Blackhawks family, thank you for the memories and your incredible contributions.”

Chicago Blackhawks bids farewell to their organist!

For over three decades now, Frank Pellico has been the maestro behind the magic. He filled the Chicago Blackhawks’ home games with those iconic organ melodies. For three years he performed on the Chicago Stadium Barton Organ, which was not just an instrument that produced music but one that practically shook the seats.

In 1994, when the United Center opened its door, Pellico played on a custom-made Allen Organ, and the fans were introduced to each note that formed the background to numerous sensational events. In every cheer, every goal, and every anthem, he never failed to attend a single home game. A true fan, nonetheless!

Well, that Barton Organ was no ordinary organ—it was massive, one of the largest pipe organs ever built, with six keyboards and more than eight hundred switches. Thus, when the Blackhawks relocated to the United Center, the owner Bill Wirtz consulted Pellico. The choices?

A used organ, a modern “funky” one, or a new one built to imitate the Barton as closely as possible. No brainer—they went with the last option, and thanks to the Allen Organ Company of Macungie, Pennsylvania, the spirit of the Barton lived on.

As one fan said, “The future generation will never understand how hard that ‘And now please join me in welcoming Organist Frank Pellico and soloist Jim Cornelison in the singing of our national anthem’ hit.”

That intro, that sound, that feeling—it’s a piece of the NHL Blackhawks history that’ll forever stay intact. It’s an emotional moment, indeed, for Chicago and the legend himself.