The now famous version of "God Bless America" featuring Lauren Hart singing live and Kate Smith on the scoreboard from 1974 kicked off the alumni game here.
The fans, as expected, went bonkers when Smith was shown on the scoreboard singing the second stanza of the song. Hart stood patiently on the stage built over top home plate, waiting for her second part.
The opening faceoff was taken between Mark Messier and Bob Clarke. Clarke won the draw, and the alumni game started.
Remember, three 20-minute periods with running time and two 12-minute intermissions.