Jakub Kindl
Jakub Kindl embodies dedicated perseverance, proving skill and grit can build a lasting hockey career.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: February 10·Millennials
Biography
Jakub Kindl, born in Sumperk, Czech Republic, navigated a challenging path to establish himself as a dependable NHL defenseman. Unlike some stars groomed from youth, Kindl’s development wasn’t instantaneous. Initially drafted 19th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2005, he spent several formative years honing his craft in the American Hockey League, battling for consistent ice time. This period fostered a resilience that defined his professional approach. Kindl wasn't a flashy offensive player; his value lay in his sturdy, reliable defensive play, penalty killing ability, and willingness to block shots. He became a consistent presence for the Blue Jackets for several seasons, then moved to the Arizona Coyotes, and finished his career playing professionally in Europe. Kindl’s story is less about explosive scoring and more about steady, unwavering commitment – a testament to the power of hard work and strategic positioning in a physically demanding sport. He represents the quiet professionalism that underpins team success.
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.
Jakub was born in 1987, 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 Jakub Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jakub's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Kindl represented the Czech Republic at multiple international tournaments, including the 2010 Winter Olympics.
- He played over 350 NHL games, establishing himself as a reliable, everyday defenseman.
- Kindl was a key penalty-killing contributor throughout his NHL career, consistently logging significant short-handed minutes.
- He captained HC Kometa Brno to a Czech Extraliga championship in 2021, demonstrating continued leadership.
Did You Know?
Jakub's father, Jaroslav Kindl, was also a professional ice hockey player, providing early mentorship.
He speaks fluent English and Czech, often acting as a liaison for international teammates during his NHL tenure.
Kindl has a passion for cycling and often incorporates it into his off-season training regimen.
Despite playing in North America for years, he maintained a strong connection to his hometown of Sumperk, frequently returning during the off-season.
He briefly considered a career in architecture before fully committing to hockey, displaying a creative side.
“„I always tried to be a team player. For me, it was never about individual statistics, but about contributing to the team’s success.””
