It was truly touching to hear National Hockey League fans in tune and singing away to the Star Spangled Banner

In any language, the Stanley Cup is one of the finest events in any sport, the fans are knowledgeable, rowdy, and sometimes they can surprise with pre-game entertainment.

Well, not really entertainment, but just to tune you in with something new, that being the fans rendition of our national anthem, singing it in tune and being heard clearly by others in the arena and those watching on their television screens.

I had missed the start of the National Hockey League’s game 6 played at the Nassau Veterans Coliseum, long-time home of the New York Islanders, but knew the underdog Isles had won 3-2 in overtime to force a deciding game at the defending champion Tampa Bay Lighting.

So I switched it on when I noticed it was being viewed again, and all of a sudden I thought I had to clear my ears when the Islanders capacity crowd was actually singing the Star Spangled Banner. It wasn’t a joke, it was a serious, patriotic turnout singing every word in unison, and concluding with hugs for all, whether they were strangers or just acquaintances.

Then came the loud applause, and whether or not this was planned if the Isles won, it was a wonderful thing to see and hear. I was totally amazed, and it was just a great feeling to witness something like this. No kneeing, nothing like you see in other events, just proud voices filling the air, some with hands on their heart, others with happy sounds, and a fine time by all.

That was it for these fans who will be occupying their new venue when it opens in October at Belmont Park in Elmont. So for them, this was a super rehearsal that will be performed again, but not at the Nassau Veterans Coliseum.

But on Saturday of that week, there was game 7 to be played in Tampa Bay, and what do you know, as it came on the air, there was not the usual pre-game national anthem played, the fans here took over like their rivals had done by loudly singing the Star Spangled Banner, in tune and with serious voices showing their patriotism.

It was great to hear this in both arenas. I, for one, had never before heard this. Not at any other sports events. But I sincerely hope it catches on. It can bring happier times. Maybe eliminate the kneeing, the turning away from the national anthem, and becoming a new way to behave like a true American and singing your way for the red, white and blue.

Hop on the bandwagon. Hear it heard from East to West, from North to South, it’s a great idea to believe in something as entertaining as these sounds of patriotism.

The only drawback here is that the Tokyo Olympics has banned fans from the stands, and that scratches all the good stuff that you’ve learned here.