‘Then it ended. When the pandemic hit in 2020, hockey – and Allen’s time as an anthem singer – went on pause. Then in September 2021, when the sport was fully reopening and Covid-19 vaccinations were required for spectators and game day employees, Allen stepped back. In an open letter to Sabres fans, he wrote, “I am not anti-vaccine. There are many people at risk who should get it. But, I am old enough to understand the importance of choice and the freedom of being an American. I had Covid in January of 2021. I now have natural immunity, so I am choosing to not get vaccinated.”’