David Rittich
A goaltender who clawed his way from undrafted obscurity to an NHL All-Star, becoming a beloved fan favorite known for his clutch saves.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: August 19·Millennials
Biography
David Rittich's path to the NHL was anything but straightforward. Undrafted, the Czech netminder honed his craft in his home country's leagues before finally getting a North American shot with the Calgary Flames' minor-league affiliate. His big break came in 2017, and he quickly endeared himself to Calgary fans with his athletic, sometimes acrobatic style and an approachable personality that earned him the nickname 'Big Save Dave.' His peak season in 2019-20 culminated in a well-deserved NHL All-Star selection, a testament to his resilience. While he has since settled into the role of a valued veteran backup, journeying through several teams, Rittich remains a symbol of the underdog who made good, always ready to steal a game with a spectacular stop.
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 1992, 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 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as an NHL All-Star in 2020 while playing for the Calgary Flames.
- Represented the Czech Republic in multiple IIHF World Championships.
- Posted a career-high .911 save percentage and 2.97 goals-against average in the 2018-19 NHL season.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Big Save Dave' was popularized by Flames fans and media.
He originally wore number 33 in Calgary as a tribute to his childhood idol, Patrick Roy.
Before his NHL debut, he played four seasons in the Czech Extraliga for BK Mladá Boleslav.
“I was never the chosen one, so I had to work for every single chance.”
