Jamie Oleksiak
A towering, 6-foot-7 defenseman whose sheer size and surprising mobility have made him a formidable NHL presence for over a decade.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: December 21·Millennials
Biography
Jamieson Oleksiak, known universally as the 'Big Rig,' is a physical specimen whose frame alone commands attention on the ice. Drafted in the first round after a single college season, his professional journey has been about harnessing that immense physical gift. Early stints saw him shuffle between the NHL and the minors, learning to use his reach and strength effectively. A trade to Pittsburgh proved pivotal, giving him the stability to develop into a reliable, hard-nosed defender. After returning to Dallas and helping them to a Stanley Cup Final, he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in their expansion draft, becoming an immediate veteran leader for the new franchise.
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.
Jamie 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 Jamie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jamie'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 14th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the highest pick in Northeastern University history.
- Played a key defensive role for the Dallas Stars during their run to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
- Was the Seattle Kraken's first-ever selection in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft.
Did You Know?
His sister, Penny Oleksiak, is an Olympic gold medalist swimmer for Canada.
He played only one season of college hockey before turning professional.
He has also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who acquired him in a mid-season trade in 2018.
“My job is to make sure the other team's best players hate coming to our rink.”
