Barret Jackman
A rugged, stay-at-home NHL defenseman who embodied the Blues' hard-nosed identity for over a decade, winning the Calder Trophy as top rookie.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: March 5·Millennials
Biography
Barret Jackman's hockey was not about glamour but grit. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues, he made an immediate impact with his punishing physical play, willingness to fight, and shot-blocking bravery. In his first full season, he edged out Henrik Zetterberg for the Calder Memorial Trophy, a rare honor for a defensive defenseman. For thirteen seasons in St. Louis, he was a cornerstone of the team's identity—a loyal, tough, and respected leader who wore an 'A' on his sweater. He logged heavy minutes against opponents' top lines, clearing the crease with a snarl. After a final season in Nashville, he retired having played nearly 900 NHL games, almost all of them for the Blues, leaving a legacy as one of the franchise's most beloved and tenacious warriors.
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.
Barret was born in 1981, 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 Barret Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Barret's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year for the 2002–03 season.
- Played over 800 games for the St. Louis Blues, serving as an alternate captain for many years.
- Recorded over 1,000 penalty minutes in his NHL career, reflecting his physical style.
Did You Know?
He is the only defenseman in St. Louis Blues history to win the Calder Trophy.
He played his junior hockey for the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League.
His jersey number 5 was not officially retired, but the Blues have not re-issued it since his departure.
“My job is to clear the front of the net, period.”
