"The Islanders and Rangers will meet in each team's first game after the holiday break, with the Metro standings extremely close. Yet the spotlight will be on Floral Park native Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran who will perform the national anthem live on his saxophone. It's the kind of moment that transcends hockey - and one that deserves your full attention."
"Critelli, who lives just minutes from UBS Arena, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and played a role in liberating France. Last year, he was knighted and awarded the French Legion of Honor - France's highest military distinction - by Emmanuel Macron, during a ceremony attended by Joe Biden. At 104, Critelli remains sharp, healthy, and full of humor, casually noting he hopes to "make 105" when his birthday arrives in April."
"Hockey, he says, is the only sport he truly loves. Music, though, has been his lifelong companion. He began playing at 13, later earned a music degree, and has performed on some of the biggest stages imaginable. UBS Arena isn't new territory for him either - in 2023, he appeared there alongside world-renowned violinist Andre Rieu, and he also rang in the New Year at Times Square."
Fans heading to UBS Arena or watching at home can expect a special pregame moment before Saturday night's Islanders-Rangers showdown. Floral Park native Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, will perform the national anthem live on his saxophone. Critelli served in the U.S. Army and helped liberate France, and he received the French Legion of Honor from Emmanuel Macron during a ceremony attended by Joe Biden. He lives minutes from UBS Arena, began playing music at 13, earned a music degree, and has performed with Andre Rieu and at Times Square. The moment blends history, music, community, and sport.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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