Michael Grabner
An Austrian speedster whose blistering pace and shorthanded goals made him one of hockey's most electrifying penalty killers.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Austrian ice hockey player·Birthday: October 5·Millennials
Biography
Michael Grabner's journey from the Austrian Alps to the bright lights of the NHL is a story of pure, unadulterated speed. Leaving his hometown of Villach at 17 for the Canadian junior leagues, he turned his greatest asset—his skating—into a professional career. Drafted by Vancouver, Grabner truly found his niche as a specialist. He wasn't a bruising power forward or a flashy playmaker; he was a hunter. On the penalty kill, he became a constant threat, reading passes and exploding past defenders to create breakaway chances out of thin air. His hands sometimes struggled to keep up with his feet, but when they connected, the result was often a highlight-reel shorthanded goal that could shift a game's momentum in an instant. His career took him across North America, from Long Island to Toronto to Arizona, always leaving fans on the edge of their seats whenever he jumped over the boards with his team down a man.
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 1987, 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 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#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
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NHL's Fastest Skater competition at the 2011 All-Star Skills Competition.
- Led the NHL in shorthanded goals during the 2010-11 season with the New York Islanders.
- Scored 34 goals in the 2010-11 season, finishing as a Calder Trophy finalist for the league's top rookie.
- Represented Austria in multiple IIHF World Championship tournaments.
Did You Know?
He scored his first NHL goal on his very first shot, playing for the Vancouver Canucks.
His nickname, 'The Austrian Gretzky,' was a playful moniker given by teammates and media.
He once scored three shorthanded goals in a single game while playing for the New York Islanders' AHL affiliate.
Before focusing on hockey, he was a competitive alpine skier as a child.
“My game is simple: get the puck, use my speed, and put it behind the goalie.”
