Before the New York Rangers faced off against the New York Islanders in Long Island on December 27, 2025, the audience was treated to a special moment. A 104-year-old World War II veteran named Dominic Critelli took to the ice to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the saxophone, earning roaring applause from the 18,000 NHL fans.
As a staff sergeant in an artillery aviation unit, Critelli flew repeated supply missions during the Battle of the Bulge, delivering food and medicine to American troops cut off behind enemy lines. Over four days, he completed 14 dangerous flights, often returning with his aircraft riddled with bullet holes. His bravery and precision under fire earned him the Air Medal.
Critelli dedicated his saxophone performance to his fellow veterans from World War II. “I lost a lot of friends,” he said. “I’m doing this for them.” The centenarian has been playing sax since he was 13 years old and continues to practice one hour a day. He knows plenty of tunes, but the National Anthem is one of his favorites. “I mean, is there any better song to play than ‘The Star-Spangled Banner?’ ” he says. “Beautiful, you put your heart in it.”
Check out Critelli’s brilliant sax performance in the video above.
Source: 104-year-old Army veteran nails anthem performance for NHL crowd
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