Andrei Zubarev
A durable Russian defenseman who carved out a long KHL career after a brief, tantalizing taste of the NHL.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Russian ice hockey player·Birthday: March 3·Millennials
Biography
Andrei Zubarev's hockey journey is a story of professional resilience and adaptation. Drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers, his North American dream materialized in just four NHL games during the 2010-11 season, a fleeting opportunity that didn't lead to a permanent spot. Rather than fading, Zubarev returned to Russia and established himself as a reliable stalwart in the Kontinental Hockey League. For over a decade, he became a familiar presence on the blue lines of teams like Salavat Yulaev Ufa and Traktor Chelyabinsk, known for his physical play and defensive consistency. His career exemplifies the path of many skilled players who find their lasting success and identity in the competitive landscape of European hockey.
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.
Andrei was born in 1987, 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 Andrei Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andrei's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 4 games in the National Hockey League for the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2010-11 season.
- Appeared in over 500 regular-season games in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
- Won the Gagarin Cup, the KHL championship, with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the 2010-11 season.
Did You Know?
He was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 6th round (187th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
His father, Sergei Zubarev, was also a professional hockey player.
He represented Russia at the 2007 World Junior Championships, winning a silver medal.
“I play a simple, hard game and help my team win wherever I am.”
