Dominick Critelli, a 105-year-old WWII vet, performs national anthem on his saxophone at UBS Arena
105 year-old Dominick Critelli, a World War II veteran, performs the national anthem before the Islanders home opener against the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Centenarian Dominick Critelli is open to future engagements at UBS Arena. The World War II veteran and Floral Park resident just loves playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on his soprano saxophone, as he did before the Islanders’ home opener on Saturday night.
“I’ll do it any time they want,” the 105-year-old told Newsday. “I mean, it’s one song, how long does it take? [The Islanders] asked me about a couple of weeks ago. They asked me if I would do it the same because I did it in the other game we won there.”
Critelli first performed the national anthem at an Islanders game at UBS Arena on Dec. 27 before the Islanders beat the Rangers, 2-0. That night, after the fans sang the song while Critelli performed, he was given a standing ovation to the chants of “USA! USA!”
It warranted an encore performance.
It was much the same on Saturday. The crowd joined in to sing mid-song, then nearly drowned out the ending with its cheers before transitioning into a “USA! USA! chant.
Critelli served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 28, 1942, to Nov. 21, 1945, and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. He was part of the 95th Infantry Division and notably fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive campaign of the war.
“ ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ to me means more than to some people,” Critelli said. “I was an immigrant, 8 years old, when I came to this country [from Italy].
“That is not only a song. It tells you what this country is all about.”
The Islanders also recognized Critelli as their military hero of the game in the second period.
Critelli first performed at UBS Arena in September 2023 when he was brought onstage by famous Dutch violinist and orchestra conductor Andre Rieu.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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