Skip to main content
News
NewsNYI

Critelli returns with saxophone for Islanders home opener

World War II veteran Dominick Critelli performed the national anthem at UBS Arena before New York hosted New Jersey.

Hockey.com

Dominick Critelli performed the U.S. national anthem on saxophone before the New York Islanders hosted the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena on Saturday, Oct. 3.

NHL.com described the World War II veteran as 105 years old and reported that the Islanders' 2026-27 home opener drew a capacity crowd. Critelli acknowledged the applause by tipping his cap after the performance.

He had also played at UBS Arena in December 2025. For Saturday's appearance, his Islanders jersey carried the number 105, replacing the 104 he wore on that earlier visit.

More on this story

Topicsislandersdevilshome openernational anthemworld war iiubs arena
Keep Reading

More from the newsroom

All news →
Ilya Sorokin makes a save for the New York Islanders against the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
NEWSNYIOct 4, 2026

Islanders Debut Canoe Paddle as Player of the Game Prize

New York swaps the Iron Man mask for a custom paddle, and adds an orange hard hat for the hardest worker.

Ilya Sorokin controls the puck beside his net during the Islanders game against the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
NEWSNYINJDOct 4, 2026

Sorokin stops 37 as Islanders blank Devils 6-0 in home opener

Ilya Sorokin stopped 37 shots and Victor Eklund celebrated his 20th birthday with his first NHL goal in New York's 6-0 home-opening win.

File photo: New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer guards the goal area in front of goaltender Ilya Sorokin against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Sept. 30, 2026.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
NEWSNYIOct 3, 2026

Islanders change forward lines; Sorokin to start home opener

New York reshuffled its forwards and confirmed Sorokin for Saturday against New Jersey, when Schaefer will wear the A at home for the first time.

NEWSNYIOct 1, 2026

Islanders set 11-game Hometown Remix jersey schedule

New York will wear the new sweater for 10 home games and one visit to Pittsburgh after an early-November unveiling.