104-Year-Old WWII Veteran Dominick Critelli Performs National Anthem Before Islanders vs Rangers Game
Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, performed the national anthem playing a saxophone before the Islanders vs Rangers game at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY on December 27, 2025. He wore an Islanders jersey during his performance, which prompted the crowd to chant "U-S-A" afterward.
Critelli is a former staff sergeant who immigrated to the United States from Italy as a child. He spent 151 days in combat and flew behind enemy lines delivering supplies to American troops. His military honors include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. He survived significant battles including the Battle of the Bulge and the Normandy landings.
In the game, the Islanders defeated the Rangers 2-0. Goaltender David Rittich made 27 saves for his ninth career shutout, stopping shots from Will Cuylle and Artemi Panarin. Anders Lee and Simon Holmstrom scored for the Islanders.
