BUFFALO, N.Y. — One of the Buffalo Sabres iconic figures is stepping away from the ice after more than two decades, because he's choosing not to be vaccinated.

If you've been to a game at KeyBank Center in the last quarter century, you've probably seen Western New York native Doug Allen belting out the national anthem.

Allen sent a letter to hockey fans on both sides of the border saying he won't be getting vaccinated, and according to public health mandates, that means he cannot perform the anthem before home games this season.

Allen says he doesn't need the shot because he has a natural immunity after contracting COVID-19 earlier this year.

The singer also wants fans to know he is not anti-vaccine and holds no ill will against the Sabres organization.