Jonathan Bernier
A first-round talent whose career was a testament to resilience, evolving from a teenage prospect to a valued veteran goaltender across seven NHL teams.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: August 7·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan Bernier entered the league with the weight of being a high draft pick, selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2006. Pegged as a future star, his early years were spent in the long shadow of Jonathan Quick, a dynamic that defined the first act of his career. He learned his craft as a backup, contributing to the Kings' 2012 Stanley Cup win, before seeking a starter's role in Toronto. While his journey never settled into long-term number-one status, Bernier became the quintessential reliable journeyman. He provided crucial stability for teams in transition, from Anaheim to Colorado to Detroit, often posting strong save percentages on struggling squads. His career, spanning over 400 games, is a study in professional adaptability and the quiet dignity of being ready when called upon.
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.
Jonathan 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 Jonathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jonathan'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
- Won the Stanley Cup as the backup goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings in 2012.
- Named the AHL's best goaltender (Bastien Trophy) and playoff MVP (MVP of Calder Cup Playoffs) in 2010 with the Manchester Monarchs.
- Recorded a 46-save shutout for the Toronto Maple Leafs in his debut with the team in 2013.
- Played in over 400 NHL regular season games across seven different franchises.
Did You Know?
He was teammates with and succeeded by Jake Allen on both the St. Louis Blues and the New Jersey Devils.
Bernier won a gold medal with Canada at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships.
He wears the number 45 as a tribute to his childhood idol, French Canadian goaltender Robert Esche.
He made his NHL debut at age 19 for the Kings in 2007.
“A goalie's job is simple: stop the puck, no matter how.”
