105-Year-Old World War II Veteran Delivers Stirring National Anthem at NHL Home Opener
Dominick Critelli, a decorated veteran, received a standing ovation for his saxophone performance of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at UBS Arena.
New York Islanders fans honored 105-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli with a standing ovation as he performed the national anthem on his saxophone Saturday night before the team's home opener against the New Jersey Devils.
Critelli, a resident of Long Island, appeared in a wheelchair and donned an Islanders jersey for his rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at UBS Arena. His performance was met with widespread praise on social media, with one user calling him a "true king" and another hailing him as "the last of the GREATEST GENERATION."
Critelli, born in March 1921, served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Air Medal for flying behind enemy lines in November 1944 to aid stranded American troops.
The Islanders went on to defeat the Devils 6-0. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin recorded his 30th career shutout with 36 saves, while goals came from Simon Holmstrom, Brayden Schenn, Bo Horvat, Viktor Eklund, Ondrej Palat, and Casey Cizikas. Matthew Schaefer, who was named the youngest assistant captain in Islanders history earlier in the week, contributed two assists.
The win marked the Islanders' first of the season on home ice after opening the season with a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils, who had won their season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers, suffered their first loss of the year. Nico Daws made 26 saves for New Jersey.
