Blue Jackets anthem singer forgets microphone, gets assist from crowd

Leo Welsh improvises after mistake, gets huge help from fans

NYR@CBJ: Nationwide Arena belts out national anthem

By Daniel O'Leary @DanOLeary25 / NHL.com Staff Writer

January 14, 2019

How do you turn a whoops into a win? With a little help from the fans.

Columbus Blue Jackets national anthem singer Leo Welsh was all set to do the honors before a game against the New York Rangers on Sunday, but there was a problem.
He forgot to bring the microphone out to the ice.
Welsh, realizing his mistake after his introduction, had a few seconds of panic, before doing the only thing he could in that spot: implore the crowd to sing along.
Welsh feigned holding up a mic to his mouth after realizing his mistake.
The crowd at Nationwide Arena did a great job with the anthem and Welsh tweeted his appreciation for the fans afterward.

Thank you #5thLine. Really needed you there and you came through. #CBJ
— Leo Welsh (@LeoWelsh) January 13, 2019

The scene was reminiscent of country music singer Brett Kissel's mic malfunction before Game 3 of the Edmonton Oilers 2017 Western Conference Second Round against the Anaheim Ducks.
Who needs a microphone anyway?