Keith Yandle
An ironman defenseman whose consecutive games streak redefined durability, then traded his stick for a podcast microphone.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: September 9·Millennials
Biography
Keith Yandle built a reputation as one of the NHL's most durable and offensively gifted defensemen, a player whose smile was as consistent as his point production. Drafted by Phoenix in 2005, he became the Coyotes' franchise leader in points by a defenseman, known for a powerful shot and quarterbacking the power play. His career took him to New York, Florida, and Philadelphia, but his legacy was cemented with the Panthers, where he set the NHL's Ironman record for defensemen by playing 989 consecutive games. That streak, a testament to toughness and preparation, ended in 2022. In a seamless second act, Yandle co-hosts the wildly popular 'Spittin' Chiclets' podcast, bringing his locker-room humor and insider perspective directly to fans.
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.
Keith 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 Keith Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Keith'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
- Set the NHL record for most consecutive games played by a defenseman (989 games).
- Played over 1,100 NHL games, amassing over 600 points primarily with the Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers.
- Was a two-time NHL All-Star (2011, 2019).
Did You Know?
His NHL Ironman streak is the second-longest in league history at 989 games.
He is a co-host of the massively popular hockey podcast 'Spittin' Chiclets'.
He was drafted 105th overall in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
“I just love playing hockey, and I try to bring that joy to the rink.”
