Jason Demers
A durable NHL defenceman who carved out a 700-game career after being a seventh-round draft pick, known for his character and wit.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: June 9·Millennials
Biography
Jason Demers represents the heartening story of the late-round draft pick who wills himself into a long NHL career through sheer determination and personality. Selected 186th overall by San Jose in 2008, he refused to be an afterthought, making the Sharks roster within a year. His game was that of a modern, puck-moving right-shot defender—smart, competitive, and capable of contributing offensively. Demers became a reliable top-four fixture for San Jose, Dallas, Florida, and Arizona, playing with a noticeable edge and a louder voice, both on the ice and in the locker room. While he never won a Stanley Cup, his journey to nearly 700 NHL games is a victory in itself, defying the odds of his draft position. Off the ice, his engaging and humorous personality made him a media favorite and a respected teammate across the league.
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.
Jason was born in 1988, 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 Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 700 regular-season games in the NHL across a 12-season career.
- Recorded a career-high 28 points (4 goals, 24 assists) with the Dallas Stars in the 2014-2015 season.
- Reached the Western Conference Finals with the San Jose Sharks in 2010 and 2011.
- Signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract with the Florida Panthers in 2016 as a free agent.
Did You Know?
He was drafted in the 7th round, 186th overall, by the San Jose Sharks in 2008.
Demers is known for his active and humorous presence on social media.
He played junior hockey in the QMJHL for the Victoriaville Tigres.
He and his father are co-owners of a junior hockey team, the Sainte-Jérôme Panthères in the QJHL.
“I had to prove I belonged every single shift I ever played.”
