Jori Lehterä
A crafty Finnish playmaker whose sharp hockey IQ earned him success in the NHL, the KHL, and on the international stage for his country.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Finnish ice hockey player·Birthday: December 23·Millennials
Biography
Jori Lehterä's career is a map of modern hockey mobility, marked by smart plays and a signature smirk. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2008, the centerman honed his game in Finland's Liiga before crossing the Atlantic. In St. Louis, he wasn't a flashy scorer but a cerebral pivot, famously forming a potent 'STL Line' with Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko during the 2014-15 season. His time in the NHL was a solid chapter, but his influence broadened upon returning to Europe. A stint in the KHL with Sibir Novosibirsk showcased his leadership, and he later became a central figure for the Finnish national team. Lehterä's game intelligence shone brightest in big moments, contributing to Finland's bronze at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and their stunning gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Games, where his veteran poise was invaluable. His path proves that a sharp mind can be as effective as pure speed.
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.
Jori 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 Jori 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
Jori'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
- Won an Olympic gold medal with Finland at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.
- Won an Olympic bronze medal with Finland at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.
- Recorded a career-high 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in the 2014-15 NHL season with the St. Louis Blues.
- Served as an assistant captain for the KHL team Sibir Novosibirsk.
Did You Know?
He was famously known for chewing on a plastic water bottle during games on the bench.
He and his Blues linemates Schwartz and Tarasenko were collectively nicknamed the 'STL Line'.
He won a Liiga championship in Finland with Tappara in 2016.
“I see the ice well; the play is there before it happens.”
