Michael Raffl
An Austrian workhorse who carved out a decade-long NHL career, becoming a standard-bearer for European grit on North American ice.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Austrian ice hockey player·Birthday: December 1·Millennials
Biography
Michael Raffl's journey to the NHL was anything but conventional. Hailing from Villach, Austria, he developed his game in the relative obscurity of the Austrian league, not drafted by any NHL team. His breakthrough came at the 2011 IIHF World Championship, where his relentless two-way play against top competition turned scouts' heads. Signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers, the left winger arrived as an unknown quantity but quickly became a fixture on their bottom six. Raffl's value was in his details: a strong defensive conscience, a willingness to battle in corners, and a sneaky-good shot that produced timely goals. He played over 500 NHL games, a remarkable feat for an undrafted Austrian, providing dependable depth for the Flyers, Capitals, and Stars. In 2023, he returned to Europe, bringing his veteran presence to Red Bull Salzburg, closing a loop that inspired a generation of Austrian players to believe they could make it overseas.
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 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 Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Michael'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
- Played over 500 regular-season games in the National Hockey League as an undrafted free agent.
- Represented Austria in multiple IIHF World Championship tournaments, often serving as a key player.
- Won the ICE Hockey League championship with EC Red Bull Salzburg in the 2023-24 season.
- Scored his first NHL goal in his very first game with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2013.
Did You Know?
His brother, Thomas Raffl, is also a professional hockey player and has played for the Austrian national team.
He was originally signed by the Flyers after a successful tryout at their development camp.
He played soccer at a high level as a youth before focusing entirely on hockey.
He is known for his physical fitness and is often among team leaders in pre-season conditioning tests.
“I had to prove myself on every shift to earn my place here.”
