Dominick Critelli
Dominick Critelli
Music

USA Chants Erupt as 104-Year-Old War Veteran Wows NHL Fans With His Saxophone Performance of the National Anthem

Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, impressed all in attendance while playing the national anthem on his saxophone.

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Those in attendance before the New York Islanders took on the New York Rangers on Saturday got a special treat. 104-year-old World War Two veteran, Dominick Critelli, a former Staff Sergeant, played his rendition of the national anthem for those in the arena. His

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The fans enjoyed Dominick's work so much that they began to chant "USA" as he held the final note. In true military form, Dominick then saluted the fans before making his way off the ice.

During his time in the military, the veteran spent 151 days in active combat during World War II. He survived the Battle of the Bulge. According to NHL.com, Dominick also took part in flights behind enemy lines, providing supplies to American troops on the ground.

Dominick earned multiple medals for his service and bravery while in combat. In total, he's got the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

The Islander's Secured a Win Over the Rangers After Dominick Critelli's Performance

After Dominick had left the ice and the game got underway, Islander fans had extra reason to celebrate. Their team won the matchup 2-0. Goals from Anders Lee and Simon Holmstrom secured the victory. Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal lead the Islander's with shots on goal, both with four apiece.

The Islander's are currently second in the NHL's Eastern Metropolitan Division, having won 21 and lost 13. The team has a 5-goal differential, having scored 109 and allowed 104.

The Rangers, on the other hand, are sixth in the conference, with 19 wins and 17 losses. Their defense, while not porous, has allowed 107 goals this season, with the team finding the back of the net on 104 occasions.

Still, both sets of New York fanbases would have left the arena happy. After all, it's not every day you get to see a war veteran, who is over 100 years old, rocking out on their saxophone. Especially not one as good as Dominick was on the night.