Alex Grant (ice hockey)
A journeyman defenseman whose professional resilience took him from NHL draft pick to a championship contender in Russia's top league.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: January 20·Millennials
Biography
Alex Grant's hockey story is one of steadfast persistence in a transient profession. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2007, the native of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, embarked on the classic minor-league grind. He honed his game in the AHL, becoming a reliable, hard-shooting defenseman for teams like Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Springfield. His NHL breakthrough was brief but memorable—a debut goal for the Anaheim Ducks in 2013. For over a decade, Grant embodied the 'depth defenseman' role, signing contracts with several organizations and providing stability for their top affiliates. His path took a notable turn when he crossed the Atlantic, joining Avangard Omsk in the KHL. There, his steady play contributed to a Gagarin Cup championship run in 2021, adding a major professional title to a career defined by adaptability and quiet professionalism.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alex was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alex Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Alex's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Gagarin Cup as a member of Avangard Omsk in the 2020-21 KHL season.
- Scored a goal in his NHL debut for the Anaheim Ducks on October 10, 2013.
- Served as an alternate captain for the AHL's Springfield Falcons during the 2014-15 season.
Did You Know?
He was named the AHL's Player of the Week in January 2013 after a four-point game for the Norfolk Admirals.
Grant played his junior hockey for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL.
He represented Canada at the 2009 World Junior A Challenge, winning a gold medal.
“You show up, work your game, and be ready when the phone finally rings.”
