Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli gave the Islanders’ 2026-27 home opener a pregame moment worthy of the full house at UBS Arena, playing the “Star-Spangled Banner” on saxophone before Saturday night’s puck drop.
Critelli, 105, returned to the Islanders’ building after previously performing there in December 2025. His encore came with one notable update: the custom Islanders sweater he wore carried No. 105, replacing the No. 104 jersey from his earlier appearance.
A standing ovation before the opener
- Critelli took the ice with his saxophone ahead of the Islanders’ first home game of the 2026-27 season.
- He performed the national anthem for a sellout crowd at UBS Arena.
- When the final notes ended, the World War II veteran tipped his cap as the building responded with loud applause.
The performance brought another electric pregame reception for Critelli, whose December 2025 appearance had already made him a familiar and warmly received figure in the Islanders’ barn.
Service record
Critelli served 151 days in combat during World War II. His military honors include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
On Saturday, the saxophone and the No. 105 Islanders jersey supplied a fitting opening note for another season on Long Island.
