Jason Zucker
This speedy NHL winger transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for charitable work, founding a foundation for hospitalized children.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: January 16·Millennials
Biography
Jason Zucker's hockey journey is one of blistering speed and profound heart. Drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2010, the California-born winger made his name as a tenacious forechecker with a quick release, becoming a fan favorite for his relentless energy. His career, which has included stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Buffalo Sabres, has been consistently defined by his work ethic and clutch scoring. But Zucker's most significant impact extends far beyond the rink. In 2014, he and his wife founded the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, after their son underwent open-heart surgery. What began as a single hospital room evolved into a major charitable initiative, "GIVE16," raising millions to support pediatric care and provide game-day experiences for sick children. On ice, he is a dependable two-way forward; off it, he is a devoted advocate, using his platform to bring tangible joy and support to families during their most difficult times.
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 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 Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jason'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
- Founded the "GIVE16" initiative, raising millions for the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital.
- Recorded a career-high 33 goals and 31 assists during the 2017-18 NHL season with the Minnesota Wild.
- Won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World U18 Championships.
- Awarded the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2021 for leadership and humanitarian contributions.
Did You Know?
He was the first Nevada-born player to be drafted into the NHL.
Zucker wears the number 16 in honor of his mother, who passed away from cancer when he was young.
He and his wife, Carly, are both accomplished athletes; she was a professional soccer player.
His foundation built a full broadcast studio inside a children's hospital so patients can host sports talk shows.
“We’re trying to create an environment where these kids can just be kids.”
