Jonathan D'Aversa
A durable Canadian defenseman who built a solid professional career across the Atlantic after his AHL start.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: March 2·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan D'Aversa’s hockey journey is one of adaptability and longevity. The Toronto native played major junior hockey in the OHL before turning pro, initially catching on with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League. While the NHL call-up remained elusive, D'Aversa found his niche in Europe, where he became a staple for over a decade. He logged significant time in top leagues in Germany, Austria, and Italy, known as a reliable, stay-at-home defender who could contribute physically and log tough minutes. His career exemplifies the path of many professional athletes who find success and a lasting home in the competitive European circuits, playing well into his thirties before retiring.
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 1986, 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 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jonathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played professional hockey for 13 seasons across North America and Europe.
- Served as an alternate captain for the EHC Black Wings Linz in the Austrian Hockey League.
- Appeared in over 200 games in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Germany's top league.
Did You Know?
He was teammates with his brother, Michael D'Aversa, while playing for the University of Prince Edward Island.
He won an OHL Championship with the Mississauga IceDogs in 2003.
He played for the Italian national team at the 2012 IIHF World Championship Division I.
“You show up, you work, and you make yourself useful wherever they put you.”
