On this day in 1929, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians inaugurated a New Year’s Eve tradition, which continues to this day, when they played “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight during their performance at the Roosevelt Grill in New York City.
Lombardo and His Royal Canadians would play the venue for the next thirty-three years and the radio broadcast certainly became part of many New Year’s Eve traditions in homes and parties across North America.
Los Angeles at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m.
2015-16 Season Records: LAK 23-11-2 (1st in the Pacific); CGY 17-17-2 (5th in the Pacific)
Leading Scorers: Tyler Toffoli (18G, 11A); Johnny Gaudreau (17G, 22A)
The Kings could get Jeff Carter back in the lineup tonight for the final tilt in a four-game road trip. If Carter remains on the shelf with an upper body injury, the Kings still have plenty of firepower at their disposal. Tyler Toffoli has certainly stepped up in Carter’s absence, he has scored 4 goals, including two game winners, in his last three games. Look for Los Angeles to strike first in order to silence the roaring Calgary crowd. Dating back to the 1995-96 season, the Kings have played in nine New Year’s Eve matchups, going 5-4-0 in those contests.
Prediction: Kings by 2
Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m.
2015-16 Season Records: ANA 14-15-6 (6th in the Pacific); EDM 15-20-3 (7th in the Pacific)
Leading Scorers: Corey Perry (13G, 10A); Taylor Hall (15G, 25A)
The Edmonton Oilers haven’t popped a celebratory bottle of champagne on New Year’s Eve since 1985, the last time they won on December 31st. They tied Calgary 2-2 on New Year’s Eve in 2001, but since then they have lost their last eight games on the final day of the year. Will they be singing “Auld Lang Syne” in the dressing room tonight? Only time will tell.
Prediction: Ducks by 1
Winnipeg Jets at Arizona Coyotes, 9 p.m.
2015-16 Season Records: WPG 17-17-2 (7th in the Central); ARI 17-16-3 (2nd in the Pacific)
Leading Scorers: Blake Wheeler (10G, 27A); Mikkel Boedker (12G, 17A)
The Jets will be starting 2016 on the road, as tonight marks the beginning of a five-game road trip. Since returning to the league for the 2011-12 season, Winnipeg has played three games on December 31st, winning two of them. They’ll be hoping to ring in the New Year on a positive note against a team who they have edged 8-1-0 in their last nine meetings. If you hear any howling as you watch the ball drop tonight, don’t be alarmed, that will probably just be the Coyotes licking their wounds.
Prediction: Jets by 1
Last Minute of Play
Originally from London, Ontario, Lombardo and his orchestra definitely changed the sound of New Year’s Eve forever. While “Auld Lang Syne” had been the band’s theme song before 1929, after that memorable performance at the Roosevelt Grill it took on a new significance. At the time of his death in 1977, Lombardo had become one of the most successful band leaders of all time. He and the Royal Canadians released over 100 records and sold more than 100 million records by 1954. According to Historica Canada, his version of “Auld Lang Syne” is still the one that plays at the Times Square New Year’s Eve festivities.
Cheers to Guy Lombardo and a happy and healthy 2016!
Prediction Record: 10-9
*Check back in on January 14th as we explore Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman’s controversial decision to call in the army to assist the city in snow removal.
