Watch: Hockey Crowd Goes Wild When WWII Vet, 105, Who Fought Under Patton Performs Nat’l Anthem on ICE
A 105-year-old World War II veteran named Dominick Critelli performed the national anthem on the saxophone during the New York Islanders’ home game, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Critelli, a decorated staff Sergeant who served in the 95th Infantry Division and participated in key missions such as the Battle of the Bulge and supply drops behind enemy lines, is a beloved figure among Islanders fans. He has previously performed the anthem at NHL games, including a notable performance against the Rangers, where he held a long note prompting the crowd to chant “USA!” Critelli’s military honors include the Air Medal, Bronze Stars, and other medals, recognizing his bravery and service. He said he performs for fallen comrades and expressed pride in playing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” emphasizing its emotional significance. During the performances,he was honored with custom jerseys commemorating his age.
World War II veteran Dominick Critelli, 105, played a saxophone rendition of the National Anthem during the New York Islanders’ home opener Saturday, and the crowd went nuts.
“105 year old World War II Veteran Dominick Critelli is back to perform the National Anthem on the saxophone at tonight’s home opener!” the team’s official X account read.
105 year old World War II Veteran Dominick Critelli is back to perform the National Anthem on the saxophone at tonight’s home opener! https://t.co/Ka6wD8bhTP
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 3, 2026
The decorated Staff Sergeant is no stranger to the National Hockey League. He is an Islanders favorite who had previously performed the anthem for a 2025 game against the rival New York Rangers.
During his most recent performance, he was sitting down getting ready to play and had to signal for the audience to stop applauding him so he could start the show.
The crowd began to sing the lyrics as Critelli played and exploded into applause when he wrapped up.
Some fans saluted him, others cheered, and he received a standing ovation. He responded by simply tipping his cap to the crowd.
Critelli served in the 95th Infantry Division and was a member of the 378th Infantry Regiment in an Artillery Aviation Unit.
His main job included gathering flying intelligence, surveillance, and carrying out reconnaissance missions. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge under the leadership of Gen. George Patton.
In November 1944, Critelli flew behind enemy lines for a supply drop to help American troops stuck on the enemy side of a bridgehead.
For four days, he flew 14 missions to carry out precision supply drops to aid U.S. troops.
His plane was even hit with dozens of bullets that pierced the wings. His heroism under fire earned him the Air Medal.
Critelli spent a total of 151 days in combat, and was also awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
During his 2025 performance against the Rangers, Critelli held the last note so long that the crowd broke out into a chant of “USA!”
He saluted his fans before leaving the ice.
“I lost a lot of friends,” he said last season, referring to fellow soldiers who didn’t make it home. “I’m doing this for them.”
“I mean, is there any better song to play than ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’?” the veteran added. “Beautiful, you put your heart in it.”
During both performances, Critelli was given a custom jersey by the team that listed his age of 104 and 105 respectively.
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