New York Islanders fans rose to salute 105-year-old Dominick Critelli, a veteran of World War II who performed the national anthem on Saturday night.
The Islanders beat the New Jersey Devils 6-0 at UBS Arena, in their first home game of the new NHL season.
Ahead of faceoff, Critelli performed The Star-Spangled Banner on his saxophone. The wheelchair-bound veteran, who wore an Islanders jersey, was given a standing ovation by the crowd on Long Island.
The performance also drew praise on social media. One fan branded Critelli ‘a true king,’ another called his rendition ‘beautiful’ while a third wrote: ‘So much love and respect for the last of the GREATEST GENERATION.’
Critelli, who was born in March 1921, served as a staff sergeant in the US Army, fighting under General Patton at the ‘Battle of the Bulge.’
In November 1944, meanwhile, he flew behind enemy lines to come to the aid of stranded American troops, earning Critelli the Air Medal.
Dominick Critelli, a World War II veteran, performed the national anthem at UBS Arena
He was given a standing ovation ahead of the New York Islanders’ win vs New Jersey Devils
‘So much love and respect for the last of the GREATEST GENERATION,’ one fan said of Critelli
Following his performance on Saturday night, Ilya Sorokin made 36 saves for his 30th career shutout as the Islanders secured a 6-0 win over the Devils.
Simon Holmstrom, Brayden Schenn, Bo Horvat, Viktor Eklund, Ondrej Palat and Casey Cizikas scored for the Islanders, who won their home opener after losing in Toronto against the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
Matthew Schaefer, named the youngest assistant captain in Islanders history on Tuesday, had two assists.
Nico Daws made 26 saves for New Jersey, which lost for the first time this season after beating the Philadelphia Flyers in its opener.
