Watch stirring performance of Ukrainian national anthem at NHL game. ‘Melts my heart’

A gripping performance of the Ukrainian national anthem moved fans to tears before the Seattle Kraken’s home game against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday, March 2.

The rink at Climate Pledge Arena had a projection of the Ukrainian flag on it as Roman Vashchuk performed an emotional version of his home country’s anthem.

The act was done out of solidarity for Ukraine, which is fighting Russian military forces that invaded their country a week ago.

Vashchuk received a long ovation even before he began performing, the NHL said.

The Kraken said it was “honored to have welcomed” Vashchuk sing the anthem.

“It’s a really big privilege for me,” Vashchuk said of being asked to perform the anthem, the NHL reported.

Vashchuk’s wife and three young children were in Ukraine when Russia invaded their country on Thursday, Feb. 24, according to The Seattle Times. They have since fled to a refugee camp in Poland.

He told the publication singing the anthem before the NHL game was “very important to him.”

“I want to send encouragement to my country. And I’m a Christian. I pray for Ukraine,” Vashchuk said, according to The Seattle Times. “I pray for the United States, too, because there’s been a lot of help and support coming from here to my country. God Bless America.”

Many people commented on Twitter that they were moved to tears by Vashchuk’s performance.

“Thank you Kraken! Our visit to your splendid arena was already a special one,” one person said. “Being an American of Ukrainian descent with family over there, your presentation tonight moved me to tears.”

“Being Ukrainian and working on that arena, this melts my heart,” another commenter said. “Thank you Kraken. Amazing!!!”