Jordan Greenway
A towering forward who broke barriers as the first Black American to play for the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team.
Born 1997 (age 29)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: February 16·Generation Z
Biography
Jordan Greenway's path to the NHL was carved from a blend of raw physical power and unexpected grace for a man of his 6'6" frame. Growing up in Canton, New York, his talent was evident early, leading him to the U.S. National Team Development Program. He chose the collegiate route at Boston University, where his two-way game matured before turning professional. His selection for the 2018 U.S. Olympic team in PyeongChang was a historic moment, marking a significant step for diversity in a sport with a narrow demographic history. Now with the Buffalo Sabres, Greenway has settled into the role of a formidable power forward, using his immense reach and strength to dominate board battles and create space, proving that skill and size can coexist at the highest level.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Jordan was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jordan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
Jordan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
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
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
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
2013Could drive
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
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
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 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first Black American player for the U.S. men's Olympic ice hockey team at the 2018 Winter Games.
- Selected in the second round, 50th overall, by the Minnesota Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
- Played a key role in Boston University's run to the NCAA Frozen Four in 2015.
- Represented the United States at multiple IIHF World Junior Championships.
Did You Know?
He played both hockey and football in high school, excelling as a wide receiver.
His younger brother, J.D. Greenway, was also drafted into the NHL.
He stands 6 feet 6 inches tall, making him one of the larger forwards in the league.
“My size is a tool, not a crutch; the game is still played with skill and speed.”
