Michael Carcone
A tenacious Canadian forward who scrapped his way from undrafted free agent to a full-time NHL role through sheer will and scoring touch.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: May 19·Millennials
Biography
Michael Carcone's hockey story is a classic underdog tale. Overlooked in every round of the NHL draft, he refused to let that define his ceiling. He turned professional the hard way, signing American Hockey League contracts and becoming a prolific scorer for teams like the Utica Comets and Tucson Roadrunners. His game is one of relentless motor and a quick, accurate shot, assets that finally forced NHL front offices to pay attention. After bouncing between the AHL and brief NHL call-ups for several seasons, Carcone seized a full-time opportunity with the Arizona Coyotes, where he erupted for a career-high goal total. His journey embodies the persistence required to make it without the fanfare of draft day, proving that production and perseverance can eventually carve out a lasting spot on an NHL roster.
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.
Michael was born in 1996, 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 Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
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
2017Turned 21
#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
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a career-high 18 goals and 35 points for the Arizona Coyotes during the 2023-24 NHL season.
- Won the AHL's Willie Marshall Award as the league's top goal scorer for the 2022-23 season with 31 goals.
- Earned a spot in the AHL All-Star Game in 2023 as a member of the Tucson Roadrunners.
Did You Know?
He played his major junior hockey in the QMJHL for the Drummondville Voltigeurs and Victoriaville Tigres.
Carcone was part of the trade that sent star defenseman Jakob Chychrun from Arizona to Ottawa in 2023.
He led the entire AHL in shots on goal during his award-winning 2022-23 season.
“They told me I was too small, so I just worked to get a little faster, a little stronger.”
