104-Year-Old WWII Vet Performs Moving Saxophone Tribute at Hockey Match
Prior to the matchup between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders in Long Island on December 27, 2025, spectators enjoyed a memorable occasion. A 104-year-old World War II veteran by the name of Dominic Critelli took to the ice to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the saxophone, receiving enthusiastic applause from the 18,000 NHL audience.
As a staff sergeant within an artillery aviation unit, Critelli executed numerous supply missions during the Battle of the Bulge, transporting food and medical supplies to American soldiers isolated behind enemy lines. Over a span of four days, he undertook 14 perilous flights, frequently returning with his plane punctured by bullets. His courage and accuracy under fire brought him the Air Medal.
Critelli dedicated his saxophone rendition to his comrades from World War II. “I lost many friends,” he remarked. “I’m doing this for them.” The centenarian has been playing the sax since he was 13 and still practices for one hour daily. He knows a variety of songs, but the National Anthem ranks among his top choices. “I mean, is there any better song to play than ‘The Star-Spangled Banner?’ ” he states. “It’s beautiful; you put your heart into it.”
Watch Critelli’s extraordinary sax performance in the video above.
_Source: [104-year-old Army veteran nails anthem performance for NHL crowd](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/104-year-old-army-veteran-nails-anthem-performance-nhl-crowd-rcna251615)_
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