New Hockey Anthem Hockey Tough Honors Unsung Enforcers and Fights Cancer
A new hockey anthem has arrived, honouring the game's unsung heroes. Derek Shayne, a rising name in Canada's independent music scene, has released Hockey Tough—a tribute to former St. Louis Blues enforcers Kelly Chase and Tony Twist. The track also celebrates all tough players who rarely get the spotlight they deserve.
Shayne's connection to the Blues runs deep. Born in a small northern Canadian mining town, he grew up a devoted fan of the team. His grandfather, Paddy Ginnell, worked as a Blues scout for 14 years, helping sign players like Chase and Twist. His father, Dan Ginnell, has scouted for the club since 2005, playing a role in drafting stars such as Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz.
Before turning to music, Shayne played junior hockey and scouted for the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers. The song was written with Chase and Darin Kimble—both battling leukaemia—in mind. All proceeds from *Hockey Tough* will go to the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. The release coincides with the third annual Puck Cancer Game, a charity hockey event on March 27. Former Blues players and celebrities will take part, though no official lineup has been announced yet. Fans can stream the single now on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
The song pays homage to hockey's gritty past while supporting a vital cause. With family ties to the Blues and a career rooted in the sport, Shayne's tribute carries personal weight. The charity event and donations will further strengthen the link between music, hockey, and community support.
