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Washington Capitals games will have a different feel this season. Monumental Sports and Entertainment has removed the organist position from Capital One Arena. They won’t bring back Bruce Anderson after 22 years as house organist.

Anderson announced the news on his social media.

Anderson wrote more on Facebook:

I am sorry to report that I learned today that the Washington Capitals will no longer be using the organ for Caps games. I saw the writing on the wall last season as my playing time was severely curtailed including brass bands on goal and in the period I was not playing except maybe one Let’s Go Caps per period.

After 22 years, I will miss the game production team (we’ve been through a lot together), all the press professionals and off-ice officials I’ve met over the years.

I will especially miss the fans who have cheered, clapped and sang along with me over the years.

No regrets – I have a Stanley Cup ring – an Emmy – great Winter Classic memories – get a shout out from Doc Emrick -plus spent most of his career watching Ovi and some cherished friendships.

In the short time since it was posted, Anderson’s tweet has gone viral in and outside of Capitals circles, with hundreds of retweets and thousands of favorites. Current season ticket holders and fans who have attended games in the past appeared disgruntled and shocked by the decision.

In a statement, the Capitals confirmed they would no longer use a live organist, but portions of their presentation may still include organ music.

“For the 2022-23 season, we have decided not to bring back the live part of the organ,” said a Capitals representative. “We are constantly looking for ways to transform the in-game experience, including professionally recorded organ songs and prompts. We thank Bruce for his contributions to the organization and wish him all the best.”

Anderson was still processing the news when I spoke to him this morning.

“I have no ill feelings towards anyone,” Anderson said in an interview. “I’m just sad it’s over.”

Anderson said he learned the news via phone call on Tuesday after submitting his schedule for the 2022-23 season in the weeks leading up to it. He assumed things would remain the status quo.

“After 22 years, it’s a bit disconcerting to be let loose on the phone like this,” Anderson said, although he admitted he wasn’t sure how to deliver this news perfectly. “I don’t know a better way to handle it.”

A supervisor told Anderson that because the team had narrowed down his role so much, they were sorry that he had to drive down from Towson, where he lives, to produce just a few minutes of music each night. As a concession, he got free tickets to games this season.

Anderson’s role on the game entertainment team changed as fans returned to Capital One Arena after the pandemic.

“From what I was told last year, the organ was too original sixsaid Anderson. “I was told the organ was great in an Original Six format, but it doesn’t fit what we’re trying to do as part of the game presentation.”

Anderson’s role in target announcements – he played the prime after the names were announced – ended. His role in trying to spark chants and cheers from the crowd during the first, second, and third periods was largely eliminated as leadership shifted more toward deejays playing music.

“They were going to be DJing pretty hard,” Anderson said. “Maybe they’d let me play a CAPS chant after the first whistle.”

Anderson stressed to me that none of the game’s entertainment staff should be blamed or criticized for losing their job because they are all like family to him.

By day, Anderson owns Lutherville Music School and Rock School in Timonium, Maryland, where he helps children learn to play and compose music.

Anderson first got his job with the Capitals in 1999 after a new owner Ted Leonsis thought the team needed an organ. Bruce unleashed his talents during a demo and the rest is history.

“I kind of fell into it originally,” Anderson said. “When they came to see the organ, I did the demonstration. Then they bought it, but they didn’t have anyone to play it for the first preseason game in 2000. So they asked me, ‘Bruce, can you play down in the first game?’ I did and I’ve done it ever since.”

Anderson experienced some of the highest peaks during his time as an organist, seeing Alex Ovechkin become one of the greatest goalscorers of all time from his peak. Leonsis was also kind enough to give the franchise’s support staff a championship ring in 2018 when the team finally got over the hump. It was a gesture Bruce is eternally grateful for.

“This job was a big part of my identity. Not many people are hockey organists,” Anderson said. “It was a lot of fun. A long run then. Lots of good memories of being vilified with the Stanley Cup and getting the ring. It was a real joy to be able to do the Winter Classic. I am grateful for the friends I have I won an Emmy with Elliot in the Morning. I’ve had a lot of great, great experiences. It was a great ride. I certainly don’t regret it.”

But in the end it was how much Bruce’s music mattered and connected with people who really resonated. Anderson was shocked and humbled by how many people — people he thought didn’t even know who he was — were angry on social media that he wasn’t coming back.

“I really appreciate how much people enjoyed and loved the organ and thought it was such a big part of their playing experience,” Anderson said. “It means the world to me.”