On a chilly December night at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the anticipation for the much-anticipated NHL clash between the New York Islanders and their crosstown rivals, the New York Rangers, was already electric. But before the puck even dropped, the crowd was treated to a moment that transcended sport—a stirring, emotional performance by a 104-year-old World War II veteran, Dominick Critelli, who brought the house down with his saxophone rendition of the U.S. National Anthem.
The scene was unforgettable. As Critelli, born on April 8, 1921, in the small town of Tiriolo in Calabria, Italy, took center ice, the packed arena fell silent in anticipation. A resident of Floral Park, New York, Critelli’s presence alone was a testament to resilience, but as he lifted his saxophone and began to play “The Star-Spangled Banner,” it became clear this would be no ordinary pregame ceremony.
For more than 90 years, Critelli has been playing music—a passion that has shaped his life almost as much as his military service. On this night, every note he played seemed to echo with history and reverence. As he held the final note just a beat longer than expected, fans erupted into a wild round of applause, many rising to their feet. The chant of “USA, USA” reverberated through the arena, a spontaneous salute to both the man and the moment. Critelli responded in kind, saluting the crowd before leaving the ice, his face beaming with pride.
“That’s why I go to these places, I want to do it, I want to represent them, to do something for them,” Critelli later explained, referring to his fallen comrades from World War II. “That’s all I can do for them.” According to Critelli, every performance is a living tribute to those who served alongside him and never returned.
Dominick Critelli’s story is nothing short of remarkable. During World War II, he served as a staff sergeant with the 95th Infantry Division, specifically in the 378th Infantry Regiment’s artillery aviation unit. He spent an astonishing 151 days in combat across the European theater. In November 1944, at just 22 years old, Critelli undertook a perilous mission: flying behind enemy lines 14 times over a tense four-day stretch to drop supplies to Allied troops stranded on the wrong side of a bridgehead. The missions were fraught with danger—his plane’s wings were riddled with several dozen bullet holes—but Critelli pressed on, driven by duty and camaraderie.
His wartime service didn’t end there. The following month, Critelli saw action during the Axis counteroffensive that would become known as the Battle of the Bulge—one of the most pivotal and harrowing chapters of the conflict. For his valor and dedication, Critelli was awarded three Bronze Stars, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the American Theater medal, the WWII Victory medal, and a Good Conduct medal—each a testament to his extraordinary contribution to the Allied cause.
After the war, Critelli’s life took a different, though no less impactful, turn. He spent two decades as a teacher in New York City, shaping young minds and sharing his love of music. In the 1970s, he formed the Dominick Critelli and the Sound of Music Orchestra, a 17-piece band that brought the joy of big band and orchestral music to countless audiences across the region. Through it all, his saxophone remained a constant companion, a bridge between past and present, sorrow and celebration.
Critelli’s achievements have not gone unrecognized. In May 2024, he was knighted and awarded the French Legion of Honor—France’s highest decoration—for his role in liberating Europe. Just one month later, he traveled to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, once again standing among the dwindling ranks of those who witnessed history firsthand.
On this particular night in Elmont, the Islanders and Rangers rivalry was fierce as always. But for a few precious minutes, hockey took a back seat to history. The Islanders faithful, already buzzing with excitement for the game, found themselves united in admiration for Critelli’s spirit. The performance wasn’t just a prelude to a sporting contest—it was a reminder of the sacrifices and stories that have shaped generations.
As the game unfolded, the Islanders delivered another reason for their fans to cheer, shutting out the Rangers 2-0. For those on Long Island, the victory was sweet, but many would say the true highlight of the evening came before the first faceoff. The sight of Critelli, saxophone in hand, honoring his fellow veterans and his adopted country, lingered long after the scoreboard had gone dark.
Critelli’s journey from Calabria to New York, from the battlefields of Europe to the bright lights of UBS Arena, is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the enduring power of music. His story resonates not just with veterans or hockey fans, but with anyone who believes in the value of remembrance and the importance of honoring those who came before.
For Critelli, every note played is a tribute—a way of keeping memories alive. “That’s all I can do for them,” he said simply, his humility as striking as his talent. And on this night, with thousands watching and cheering, he did just that, ensuring that the legacy of his generation endures in both song and spirit.
As the Islanders celebrated their victory and fans filed out of UBS Arena, the echoes of Critelli’s anthem could still be felt—a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable moments in sports happen before the game even begins.
