Beloved 105-year-old WWII vet returns to play national anthem at Islanders game

World War II Army veteran Dominick Critelli returned to UBS Arena on Saturday to perform the national anthem on saxophone ahead of the New York Islanders' home opener against the New Jersey Devils. The 105-year-old Long Island centenarian received a roaring reception from the crowd and was honored as the game veteran, receiving a personalized jersey with the number 105 from Islanders alumnus Butch Goring.

Critelli, a decorated veteran awarded the Air Medal and three Bronze Stars, survived the Normandy landings and flew 14 supply missions during the Battle of the Bulge. Knighthood was bestowed upon him by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2024 for his wartime service liberating France from Nazi occupation.