Brad Hunt (ice hockey)
An undersized defenceman with a powerhouse shot who carved out a long professional career through sheer determination and skill.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: August 24·Millennials
Biography
Brad Hunt's hockey career is a study in perseverance. Labeled too small for a modern NHL defenseman from the start, he refused to let that define his ceiling. After a standout college career, he turned pro and immediately made his mark in the AHL, not just as a reliable player but as an offensive threat, winning an All-Star nod and the league's hardest shot competition. His blistering slap shot became his calling card, a weapon that eventually unlocked the door to the NHL. What followed was a journeyman's tale of resilience. Hunt suited up for eight different NHL clubs, often in a depth role, bringing a positive attitude and a potent point shot to every power-play unit he joined. While never a star, he crafted a lasting professional life by maximizing his unique skills, playing over a decade across the NHL and AHL and earning a reputation as a dedicated teammate and a specialist who could change a game with one swing of his stick.
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.
Brad was born in 1988, 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 Brad Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Brad's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the AHL Hardest Shot competition at the 2013 All-Star Classic with a shot recorded at 102.4 mph.
- Selected as an AHL All-Star in 2013 while playing for the Chicago Wolves.
- Played in over 200 NHL games across eight different franchises from 2013 to 2023.
- Scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in his first game, with the Edmonton Oilers in 2013.
Did You Know?
He won the AHL's Hardest Shot competition despite being one of the smallest players in the event.
He played four seasons of college hockey at Bemidji State University in Minnesota.
He is known for his exceptionally hard and accurate slap shot, which is his primary offensive weapon.
He has played for teams in three different professional leagues: the NHL, AHL, and the Finnish Liiga (Vaasan Sport).
“You control what you can: your work ethic, your preparation, your attitude.”
