Ben Scrivens
A cerebral goaltender who authored one of the NHL's most unlikely solo performances, a 59-save shutout that defied statistical logic.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: September 11·Millennials
Biography
Ben Scrivens took the road less traveled to the NHL, starring at Cornell University before signing as an undrafted free agent. His professional path was that of a capable journeyman, serving as a reliable backup for teams in Toronto, Los Angeles, Edmonton, and Montreal. Nicknamed 'Professor' for his thoughtful approach to the game, his career highlight was a singular, breathtaking explosion of skill. On January 29, 2014, while playing for the Edmonton Oilers against the San Jose Sharks, Scrivens stopped every one of the 59 shots he faced. It was a record-setting shutout, a display of athleticism and focus that stood as the most saves in a regular-season shutout for years. After his playing days, he transitioned smoothly into management, bringing his analytical mind to the front office of the University of Denver hockey program.
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.
Ben was born in 1986, 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 Ben Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
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
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set an NHL record for most saves in a regular-season shutout with 59 for the Edmonton Oilers in 2014.
- Won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championship as a backup goaltender.
- Played NCAA Division I hockey for Cornell University, where he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2010.
- Appeared in 144 NHL regular-season games across five different franchises.
- Named the director of hockey operations and later team manager for the University of Denver Pioneers men's program.
Did You Know?
He earned a degree in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University.
His record 59-save shutout broke a mark previously held by hall-of-famer Mike Richter.
He played professional hockey in the KHL for Dinamo Minsk during the 2016-17 season.
He and his wife run a charitable foundation focused on supporting children's health and education.
“I studied at Cornell and brought that analytical approach to every shot I faced.”
