NY Islanders bringing back 105-year-old WWII veteran to perform National Anthem

The New York Islanders are bringing back a familiar face whose last performance at UBS Arena left more than 17,000 fans in awe.

The team announced that World War II veteran Dominick Critelli, now 105 years old, will once again perform the national anthem before Saturday night's home opener against the New Jersey Devils. His previous rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before an Islanders-Rangers game last December became one of the most memorable moments of the season, captivating those inside the arena and fans watching from home.

And now he's coming back for an encore.

Critelli, a decorated Army staff sergeant who survived the Battle of the Bulge, immigrated to the United States from Italy when he was just 8 years old. He began playing the saxophone at 13 and hasn't stopped.

During last year's performance, Critelli was escorted onto the ice by the Islanders' Energy Team before taking his seat, adjusting his soprano saxophone and delivering a rendition that temporarily put one of hockey's fiercest rivalries aside.

As he played, chants of "U-S-A" echoed throughout UBS Arena.

But Critelli wasn't playing for applause.

"I lost a lot of friends," he said last season, referring to fellow soldiers who never returned home. "I'm doing this for them."

A resident of Floral Park, Critelli continues to practice his instrument for an hour every day. His home is filled with medals and memories from his military service, while an American flag flies outside.

Despite performing before enormous crowds, Critelli approaches the national anthem with a deeply personal sense of purpose.

"I mean, is there any better song to play than 'The Star-Spangled Banner'?" he said. "Beautiful, you put your heart in it."

Saturday's home opener against the Devils will give Islanders fans another opportunity to show their appreciation before the puck drops. And if his previous performance was any indication, this will once again be one of the season's highlights and an unforgettable rendition for those in attendance.

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