Nathan Gerbe
The shortest skater in NHL history, he forged a decade-long career through relentless speed, tenacity, and an unbreakable competitive fire.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: July 24·Millennials
Biography
Nathan Gerbe never fit the prototype of a professional hockey player, and he spent his entire career making scouts regret they ever cared about a tape measure. At five-foot-four, he was told he was too small, but he responded by playing a game ten feet tall. Drafted by Buffalo, he became a cult hero for the Sabres, a buzzing, fearless winger who threw his body into corners against giants and celebrated goals with pure, unbridled joy. His most famous moment came in the 2011 playoffs, where he scored a breathtaking, diving goal against Philadelphia. Stints with Carolina and Columbus followed, where he was consistently a locker room leader and a fan favorite for his work ethic. Gerbe's career stands as a testament to willpower, proving that heart and skill can redefine the boundaries of a sport built on size.
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.
Nathan 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 Nathan 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
Nathan'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
- Played 394 regular-season games in the NHL across ten seasons for Buffalo, Carolina, and Columbus.
- Scored a iconic diving goal for the Buffalo Sabres in Game 4 of the 2011 NHL playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Won the NCAA national championship with Boston College in 2008, scoring the game-winning goal in the final.
- Named captain of the Cleveland Monsters, the Columbus Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, for the 2019-20 season.
Did You Know?
He is the shortest skater (5'4") in NHL history, with only goaltender Roy Worters being shorter.
He wore jersey number 42 as a tribute to his father, whose favorite player was Pat LaFontaine (who wore 16, 4+2=6).
He and his wife, Kara, have twins, a boy and a girl.
He was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2008 as one of the top players in U.S. college hockey.
“I've heard 'no' my whole life. I just use it as motivation.”
