Many of the obits for Alan Thicke, who died Tuesday, mentioned his memorable singing performance to open the 1988 NHL Awards Show as an example of his pride in being Canadian and his love of hockey.
Thicke rides on to the stage aboard a prop Zamboni and proceeds to sing about things that make Canada so great, which naturally includes hockey. The song has shoutouts to Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, plus a reference to beating the Soviet Union in the 1987 Canada Cup. (Not quite sure what to make of the line "Michael Fox is our Pee-wee Herman" but you get the sense this production totally captures the spirit of 1980s Canada.)
For a more detailed analysis, check out this 2013 Grantland column by Sean McIndoe.
Thicke, best known for his role as the dad on the 80s sitcom Growing Pains, suffered a heart attack after collapsing during a weekly pickup game at a rink in Burbank, California. He was 69.
A regular at NHL events, Thicke was such good friends with Gretzky that he was the emcee at the wedding of Wayne and Janet Jones in 1988.
Janet & I are deeply saddened to hear of Alan's passing. He was a wonderful man,father,husband and friend.He will be missed by all. RIP Alan
— Wayne Gretzky (@OfficialGretzky) December 14, 2016
RIP to one of the great ones, Alan Thicke. pic.twitter.com/LvlU13s23h
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 14, 2016
sad to hear that Alan Thicke Died played many celebrity hockey games with him he loved the game hope he scored one last goal RIP my winger
— MIKE ERUZIONE (@MERUZIONE) December 14, 2016
