Jordie Benn
A tenacious, undrafted defenseman who carved out a 12-year NHL career, proving that grit and reliability can trump draft pedigree.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: July 26·Millennials
Biography
Jordie Benn’s hockey story is one of quiet persistence. Unlike his younger brother Jamie, a first-round pick and future captain, Jordie went unselected in the NHL draft. His path began in the minor leagues with the Texas Stars, where his steady, no-frills defensive play eventually forced the Dallas Stars to take notice. He earned his first NHL contract at 24, a late bloomer by professional standards. For over a decade, Benn became the quintessential journeyman defenseman, valued for his positional soundness, physical edge, and versatility to play either side. He suited up for seven NHL franchises, from Montreal to Toronto, often as a trusted depth piece who could slot into any pairing. His career, which concluded with a season in Sweden, stands as a testament to the under-the-radar players whose work ethic forms the backbone of teams.
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.
Jordie was born in 1987, 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 Jordie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jordie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
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
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 400 regular-season games in the NHL as an undrafted free agent.
- Signed his first NHL contract with the Dallas Stars in 2011 after impressing in the AHL.
- Recorded a career-high 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) during the 2016-17 season split between Montreal and Vancouver.
- Represented Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, winning a bronze medal.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of Dallas Stars captain and Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn.
He and his brother Jamie were teammates on the Dallas Stars for parts of six seasons.
He played junior hockey for the Victoria Grizzlies in the BCHL instead of the major Canadian junior leagues.
“I had to prove myself every single day, in every single shift.”
