David Moss (ice hockey)
A dependable, two-way NHL forward drafted in the last round who built a long career on hockey IQ, defensive responsibility, and community spirit.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: December 28·Millennials
Biography
David Moss's hockey story is one of exceeding expectations through intelligence and consistency. Selected with the 220th and final pick in the 2001 draft, he was an afterthought. Yet, after a solid collegiate career at the University of Michigan, he methodically worked his way to the Calgary Flames, where he became a fixture for six seasons. Moss was the player coaches trusted—a responsible, right-handed winger with size who could kill penalties, win board battles, and contribute offensively in quiet, effective ways. He wasn't a headline grabber, but his value was evident in his minutes and his repeated recognition for sportsmanship and community work. After his time in Calgary, he provided veteran depth for Phoenix and Arizona before finishing his career in Switzerland, a testament to the lasting utility of a smart, complete game forged from humble beginnings.
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.
David 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 David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
David'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
- Played over 500 NHL games despite being the 220th and final pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
- Recorded a career-high 17 goals and 32 points during the 2008-09 season with the Calgary Flames.
- Played in the 2011 Heritage Classic outdoor game as a member of the Calgary Flames.
Did You Know?
He participated in three different outdoor hockey games at the collegiate, international, and NHL levels.
Moss was a standout at the University of Michigan, playing in the famed 'Cold War' outdoor game against Michigan State in 2001.
He won the NHL's Foundation Player Award for community service in 2012 while with the Phoenix Coyotes.
“I was the last pick, so I learned to make every detail count.”
