In departing as the team's home anthem singer, Ortiz Luis released a statement on Friday, saying, "I started singing for the Leafs when I had just turned 15 years old. I still remember getting up at 7 am to stand in line with hundreds of other hopefuls outside of, what was still called, the ACC. I still remember my very first home opener on October 15, 2016. Stepping out onto the ice, seeing the sea of lights from 20,000 people wearing LED wristbands, barely able to hear myself over the ecstatic singing & cheering from hockey fans that I was not yet used to, the excitement surrounding the NHL's centennial season. I remember crying right after because the experience was all so surreal. And every home game since then, for those 3 minutes before puck drop, I've just felt so incredibly lucky to play a small part in it all."
She went on to say that she has been fortunate enough to be presented new opportunities with lots of work and travel and is intent on pursuing these things. She ended her statement thanking the Leafs for the opportunity and of course, thanking the fans for "singing their hearts out" with her. Thank you Martina and we wish you the best of luck in whatever comes next.
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 7 | 1590 ANSWERS Beloved Leafs anthem singer leaving the organization, explains the reasons behind her decision Rank Martina Ortiz Luis among the league's anthem singers: | ||
5-stars - Martina was the best! | 1079 | 67.9 % |
4 stars - Martina was one of the good ones | 253 | 15.9 % |
2-3 stars - Martina was pretty good | 95 | 6 % |
0-1 stars - who cares who the anthem singer is | 163 | 10.3 % |
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