In a spirited moment following the Washington Capitals‘ 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, defenseman Ryan Leonard earned a unique team tribute. Leonard’s karaoke rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” during a recent rookie dinner impressed his teammates so much that the Capitals changed their goal celebration music to that song for the remainder of the season. This spontaneous switch marks a fresh, lighthearted tradition inspired by Leonard’s unexpected talent.
The Story Behind the Karaoke Choice: Leonard’s Own Words
During a conversation with RMNB’s Katie Adler, Ryan Leonard explained how the iconic funk hit became linked to him. Leonard revealed that he and fellow rookie Justin Sourdif, nicknamed “Sourdy,” were required to pick karaoke songs during a rookie gathering. Leonard chose “Uptown Funk,” a tune he almost performed in an elementary school talent show when it was first released in 2014, because he knew the lyrics well and liked its catchy rhythm.
“Me and Sourdy had to sing a karaoke song, and that was what I chose, and then it kind of stuck,”
Leonard said. When asked about their individual song selections, Leonard recalled that Sourdif sang “The Gambler.”
Leonard also shared that karaoke was not a frequent pastime for him personally but noted that his sister Brianna’s love for singing brought karaoke microphones into family gatherings as novelty gifts.
“That’s probably like the only other time I’ve done a karaoke,”
Leonard explained about his limited singing history.
He confirmed that the karaoke session occurred during a rookie dinner held at a restaurant, adding context to the event where the now-famous performance took place.
Teammates Praise Leonard’s Performance and Its Lasting Impact
Defenseman Rasmus Sandin recounted the origins of the song change, appreciating Leonard’s efforts during the rookie celebration.
“We switched it after a good little rookie party that we had,”
Sandin said.
“Shout out to Ryan Leonard. He had a great performance for us. So, it’s after that we switched it up.”
Sandin described the performance as “fantastic” and encouraged others to ask Leonard for a live rendition.
Goalie Charlie Lindgren also chimed in to remind everyone of Sourdy’s choice, solidifying team camaraderie through shared memories of the event.
Coaching Staff Reacts to the New Victory Tradition
Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery admitted to being somewhat puzzled by the selection of “Uptown Funk” as the victory song, noting it stands apart from the typical newer tunes the team tends to choose. When asked about the change, Carbery commented,
“I obviously hear it every time. I’m like, ‘That’s interesting,’ because it’s not—usually [the victory song] is a newer song. That’s been around for a while…”
He also confirmed an intent to investigate further into what sparked this enduring tradition.
The Unanswered Question: What Makes This Performance So Memorable?
Despite the enthusiasm the team shows for Leonard’s karaoke moment, the exact reason why his rendition captured the Capitals’ spirit remains unclear. Whether it is the energy, humor, or camaraderie surrounding the performance, it has become a quirky highlight of the Capitals’ season. This mystery continues to charm the players and fans alike, suggesting that sometimes the best team traditions arise from spontaneous, joyful moments.
