Jason Pominville
A consistent and cerebral winger whose clutch playoff goal for Buffalo remains an unforgettable moment in NHL history.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Canadian-American ice hockey player·Birthday: November 30·Millennials
Biography
Jason Pominville's path to the NHL was one of quiet determination, drafted in the second round after a standout junior career in the QMJHL. He didn't burst onto the scene with flashy theatrics; instead, he built a reputation in Buffalo and Minnesota as a model of two-way reliability. A right winger with a sharp hockey IQ, he could be counted on for 20 goals, responsible defensive play, and leadership as an alternate captain. His legacy, however, is forever tied to one electrifying play in the 2006 playoffs. In overtime of a decisive Game 5 against the Ottawa Senators, Pominville stole the puck, raced down the ice, and scored a short-handed goal to clinch the series, a moment immortalized by Rick Jeanneret's legendary "Now do you believe?" call. That goal cemented his place in Sabres lore. He played over 1,000 games, amassing over 700 points, his career a testament to the impact of smart, steady excellence.
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 1982, 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 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
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
2022Turned 40
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 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored the series-clinching short-handed overtime goal in Game 5 of the 2006 Eastern Conference Semifinals, a iconic moment in Buffalo Sabres history.
- Played in over 1,000 regular-season NHL games, recording 726 points (293 goals, 433 assists).
- Served as an alternate captain for both the Buffalo Sabres and the Minnesota Wild.
- Was a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship in 2012.
Did You Know?
He holds dual citizenship of Canada and the United States.
He and his wife own a vineyard in upstate New York called Pominville Winery.
He was known for his meticulous preparation and study of game film throughout his career.
“My game was about being responsible at both ends of the ice.”
