Michaël Bournival
A swift, hard-working forward who carved out an NHL career through relentless energy and defensive grit, becoming a fan favorite in Montreal.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: May 31·Millennials
Biography
Michaël Bournival's hockey journey began in Shawinigan, Quebec, a path that saw him bypass major junior hockey to play in the QMJHL. Drafted by Colorado in 2010, his rights were traded to Montreal, where his tireless work ethic and speed on the forecheck earned him a spot with the Canadiens. He became a reliable bottom-six forward, appreciated for his penalty-killing and tenacious play along the boards. His career highlight came during the 2014 playoff run, where his energetic contributions helped the Canadiens reach the Eastern Conference Final. After stints in the AHL and a final season with Tampa Bay, injuries led him to retire, leaving a legacy as the kind of player every winning team needs.
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.
Michaël was born in 1992, 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 Michaël Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Michaël's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 71st overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
- Played 160 regular-season games in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Was a member of the Montreal Canadiens team that reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2014.
- Won a Memorial Cup with the Shawinigan Cataractes in 2012, serving as team captain.
Did You Know?
He was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Montreal Canadiens in a deal for defenseman Ryan O'Byrne.
Bournival won the Memorial Cup on home ice, as Shawinigan was the host team that year.
He studied business administration at the University of Montreal during his professional career.
“My role is to create chaos on the forecheck and earn every shift.”
