Justin Braun (ice hockey)
A steady, defensive defenseman who provided over a decade of reliable NHL service, primarily with the San Jose Sharks.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: February 10·Millennials
Biography
Justin Braun built an impressive NHL career not on flashy highlights, but on consistency and quiet competence. The Minnesota native, a product of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was drafted by the San Jose Sharks and grew into a mainstay on their blue line for nearly a decade. Paired often with star Marc-Édouard Vlasic, Braun formed a shutdown duo tasked with neutralizing the league's top lines. His game was defined by smart positioning, a active stick, and a willingness to block shots. While he never put up gaudy point totals, his value was immense in the defensive zone, helping the Sharks reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. Later chapters of his career saw him bring that steadying presence to the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers before continuing his career in Europe.
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.
Justin 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 Justin 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
Justin'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 in the 2016 Stanley Cup Final as a key defenseman for the San Jose Sharks.
- Recorded a career-high 33 points (5 goals, 28 assists) in the 2018-19 NHL season with San Jose.
- Averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game for seven consecutive seasons with the Sharks.
- Played in over 800 regular-season NHL games across his career.
Did You Know?
He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player in 2010.
He played high school hockey at White Bear Lake in Minnesota, a notable program in the state.
He and his wife, Jessie, have twins.
“Just show up, do your job, and be reliable every single night.”
