Jonas Hiller
A Swiss goaltending pioneer who defied the draft to become an NHL starter, famous for his distinctive, painted mask and calm demeanor.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Swiss ice hockey player·Birthday: February 12·Millennials
Biography
Jonas Hiller's path to the NHL was unconventional, going undrafted before his technical skill and composure forced the league to take notice. The Swiss netminder signed with the Anaheim Ducks and quickly established himself as a reliable number one, playing a pivotal role in the post-Giguere era. He was known for his efficient, positional style and his iconic, brightly painted masks that became a fan favorite. Hiller backstopped the Ducks to multiple playoff appearances and famously started for the Swiss national team, helping elevate the country's hockey profile on the world stage. After a stint with the Calgary Flames, he returned to Switzerland to finish his career, leaving a legacy as one of the most successful European goalies of his generation.
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.
Jonas 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 Jonas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jonas'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
- Played 404 NHL games as a starting goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames after going undrafted.
- Recorded 24 wins and a 2.48 GAA in his first full NHL season (2009-10) with Anaheim.
- Represented Switzerland in multiple IIHF World Championships and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
- Won a Swiss National League (NL) championship with HC Davos early in his career.
Did You Know?
He was the first Swiss-born goalie to be a full-time NHL starter.
Hiller's distinctive, artistically painted masks often featured geometric designs and were a major part of his identity.
He missed the 2010 NHL playoffs due to vertigo-like symptoms, a condition he later overcame.
He began his professional career in his home country with HC Davos.
“You have to be ready for every shot, that's the goalie's job.”
