Erik Haula
A versatile Finnish forward whose speed and two-way reliability made him a valuable journeyman for nearly a dozen NHL teams.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Finnish ice hockey player·Birthday: March 23·Millennials
Biography
Erik Haula's path to the NHL is a story of exceeding expectations. Drafted in the seventh round in 2009 by the Minnesota Wild, the Helsinki-born forward was never supposed to be a star, but he carved out a long and impactful career through adaptability and smarts. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, he made the Wild roster and quickly proved he belonged, using his excellent skating to drive play. His career took a defining turn when he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 expansion draft. In Vegas's magical inaugural season, Haula became a top-six center, scoring a career-high 29 goals and playing a pivotal role in their run to the Stanley Cup Final. From there, he became a sought-after commodity, a reliable middle-six forward who could kill penalties, win face-offs, and chip in offensively. His journey saw him wear the sweaters of nine different NHL clubs, a testament to his consistent value as a player who could fit into any system and contribute immediately.
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.
Erik was born in 1991, 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 Erik Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Erik's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
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
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
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
2007Could drive
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
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
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 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a career-high 29 goals in the 2017-18 season as a key part of the Vegas Golden Knights' inaugural run to the Stanley Cup Final.
- Won the Big Ten Tournament MVP award in 2013 while playing for the University of Minnesota.
- Represented Finland internationally, winning a silver medal at the 2016 World Championships.
Did You Know?
He was the first Finnish-born player ever selected in the NHL Entry Draft directly from a US high school (Shattuck-St. Mary's).
His father, Jarmo Haula, was a professional soccer player in Finland.
He played college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2013.
“I was a seventh-round pick. I had to prove I belonged every single day.”
