Matt Gilroy
He rose from a college walk-on to win hockey's top amateur honor and represent his country at the Olympics.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: July 20·Millennials
Biography
Matt Gilroy's hockey story is one of improbable ascent. He began his collegiate career at Boston University as a walk-on, a player without a scholarship, and finished it as the captain of a national championship team. In his senior year, his outstanding all-around play earned him the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA men's ice hockey, a rare feat for a defenseman. This launched a professional journey that spanned over a decade, including stints with several NHL clubs where he was valued for his steady, intelligent defensive game. His career came full circle on the international stage when he suited up for the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Gilroy's path demonstrated that determination and hockey IQ could carve out a substantial career at the highest levels.
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 1984, 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 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
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
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
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
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Hobey Baker Award in 2009 as the top player in NCAA men's ice hockey.
- Captained Boston University to the NCAA national championship in 2009.
- Earned First Team All-American honors in his final collegiate season.
- Represented the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Did You Know?
He was a walk-on at Boston University, initially not on an athletic scholarship.
His younger brother, Tim, also played in the NHL.
He played professional hockey in Switzerland for SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers at the end of his career.
“They told me I wasn't good enough, so I walked on and won the Hobey Baker.”
