B. J. Crombeen
A rugged NHL winger who carved out a decade-long career not with flashy goals, but with a relentless, physical style that coaches trusted in crucial moments.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American-born Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: July 10·Millennials
Biography
B.J. Crombeen's path in professional hockey was a testament to grit and self-made utility. Drafted by the Dallas Stars, the son of former NHLer Mike Crombeen had to redefine his game to stick at the highest level. He transformed himself into a prototypical bottom-six energy winger, a player whose value wasn't captured on the scoresheet but in corner battles, shot blocks, and a willingness to stand up for teammates. His journeyman career saw him become a fixture on the penalty kill for teams like the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning, where his work ethic made him a respected locker room presence. In an era increasingly focused on speed and skill, Crombeen's sustained tenure was a reminder of the enduring need for players who embrace a specific, demanding role and execute it with unwavering consistency.
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.
B. was born in 1985, 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 B. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
B.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 500 regular-season games in the NHL across four different franchises.
- Recorded a career-high 7 goals and 17 points during the 2011-12 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Was a key penalty-killing specialist for the St. Louis Blues during their playoff runs in the early 2010s.
Did You Know?
His father, Mike Crombeen, also played in the NHL for several teams in the 1970s and 80s.
He was born in Denver, Colorado, but holds Canadian citizenship through his father.
Crombeen attended the University of Denver for one year before moving to major junior hockey in the OHL.
He led the NHL in penalty minutes during the 2009-10 season with 190 while playing for the St. Louis Blues.
“My job is to be hard to play against, every single shift.”
