Matt Frattin
A hard-nosed Canadian winger whose professional journey was defined by resilience, bouncing between the NHL and the AHL for over a decade.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: January 3·Millennials
Biography
Matt Frattin's hockey story is one of grit and perpetual motion. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs after a standout career at the University of North Dakota, where he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist, his professional path was never linear. He possessed a pro-ready shot and a physical edge, making him a useful piece for several NHL clubs, but he often found himself as a player on the fringe, shuttling between the bright lights of the league and the bus rides of the AHL. His most notable stint was with his hometown Maple Leafs, where he became a fan favorite for his energetic, north-south style. Frattin's career was a testament to the depth of professional hockey, defined by trades, call-ups, and the unwavering determination to keep playing the game at the highest level possible.
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.
Matt was born in 1988, 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 Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
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 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored 19 goals and 34 points in 104 NHL games played for the Toronto Maple Leafs across multiple stints.
- Was a key part of the 2011 University of North Dakota team that reached the NCAA Frozen Four, earning All-American honors.
- Played in the NHL for three different franchises: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Won the AHL's Calder Cup championship with the Toronto Marlies in 2012.
Did You Know?
He was traded from Toronto to Los Angeles in a 2013 deal that sent goalie Jonathan Bernier to the Maple Leafs.
In his final professional season, he played for the Belfast Giants in the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League.
He majored in Communications at the University of North Dakota.
His father, John Frattin, also played professional hockey in the minor leagues.
“You have to be ready when your number is called, because you might only get one shift.”
