Jake Allen (ice hockey)
A steady and cerebral goaltender whose clutch performances in the 2019 playoffs were essential to delivering St. Louis its first Stanley Cup.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: August 7·Millennials
Biography
Jake Allen's path to NHL stability was one of patience and proving himself under pressure. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2008, the Fredericton native honed his craft in the minors, winning the AHL's top goaltender award before claiming the Blues' starting job. Known for a calm, positional style and highlight-reel saves he calls 'belles,' Allen often carried a team through transitional seasons. His most lasting contribution came in the 2019 championship run; though not the playoff starter, his critical relief appearances and steady hand in the regular season were foundational to the Blues' ultimate triumph. After a decade in St. Louis, he embraced veteran mentorship roles in Montreal and New Jersey, valued for his professionalism and ability to stabilize a crease.
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.
Jake was born in 1990, 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 Jake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, providing key goaltending depth throughout the regular season and playoffs.
- Awarded the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Trophy as the AHL's best goaltender in 2014 with the Chicago Wolves.
- Named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2015 after his first full season with the Blues.
- Recorded 6 shutouts in the 2015-16 season, helping the Blues reach the Western Conference Final.
Did You Know?
His nickname is 'Snake,' stemming from his agile, sprawling save style.
Allen is an avid outdoorsman and fisherman, often spending his off-seasons in remote Canadian wilderness.
He backstopped Canada to a gold medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships.
He and his wife have a dog named Stanley, named after the Stanley Cup.
“You have to be a little bit of a weirdo to be a goalie, and I think I fit that mold.”
