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The New York Islanders are known for bringing out strong players for the national anthem and Saturday night before their game against the New York Rangers at UBS Arena was no exception.
Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, took to the ice in a blue Islanders jersey and performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” on his saxophone. The crowd erupted into chants of “USA” after it ended.
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World War II veteran Dominick Critelli plays the national anthem before the game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers at UBS Arena on December 27, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images)
Critelli, a sergeant who immigrated to the United States from Italy as a child, spent 151 days in combat in World War II. He flew behind enemy lines to deliver supplies to American troops, according to NHL.com.
He earned prestigious honors for his time in the military. He was awarded the “Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, the American Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal,” the NHL said. He also survived the Battle of the Bulge and the landings in Normandy.
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New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the New York Rangers at UBS Arena on December 27, 2025. (Wendell Cruz/Image Images)
“I love this country,” he told the New York Post before his performance. “If I hadn’t come to this country, I would be stuck with Mussolini.”
The Islanders also recorded a great 2-0 victory over their rivals.
Islanders goalie David Rittich made 27 saves, recording the ninth shutout of his career. He denied shots by Rangers players Will Cuylle and Artemi Panarin.
New York Islanders goalie David Rittich (33) skates away from the net after saving a penalty on goal attempt in the third period against the New York Rangers at UBS Arena on December 27, 2025. (Wendell Cruz/Image Images)
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Andrers Lee and Simon Holmstrom contributed goals for the Islanders.
