Who is Dominick Critelli and why is he famous?

Dominick Critelli is a World War II veteran who recently performed a moving rendition of the U.S. national anthem on his saxophone at a hockey game.

What song did the WWII veteran play at the hockey game?

Dominick Critelli played 'The Star-Spangled Banner' on his saxophone before the New York Islanders and Rangers hockey game.

Where did Dominick Critelli serve during World War II?

Dominick Critelli served in the 95th Infantry Division and fought against the Nazis, including participating in the liberation of the Netherlands.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / WWII Vet Stuns Hockey Crowd with Anthem

WWII Vet Stuns Hockey Crowd with Anthem

28 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

Dominick Critelli, WWII veteran, performed the anthem on saxophone.
The performance took place before an Islanders vs. Rangers hockey game.
He previously played music for a large audience during the war.

A World War II veteran, Dominick Critelli, recently rendered the U.S. national anthem on his saxophone, leaving a roaring hockey crowd in stunned silence.

Critelli, who served in the 95th Infantry Division, performed at UBS Arena before the New York Islanders and Rangers faced off. His rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was met with thunderous applause and chants of 'USA' from the 17,500 attendees.

Critelli immigrated from Italy as a child and returned to Europe to fight during the war. He recalled playing music for an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people on top of a tank during the liberation of the Netherlands.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.