When trumpeter Carmelo Scaffidi belted out the Mexcian Hat Dance at a Senators or 67's game, it was like he was having a conversation with the crowds, says Randy Burgess, who hired the accomplished musician to get hockey fans into the game.
Scaffidi would play the first part of the tune, almost teasing crowds, until they clapped back.
"He got a lot of joy out of being part of the sports-entertainment biz. And the crowds got a lot of enjoyment out of Carmelo."
Scaffidi died Thursday at the age of 57 following a battle with brain cancer.