Ondřej Pavelec
A durable Czech netminder who became the face of Winnipeg's reborn Jets franchise through nearly 400 NHL games.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: August 31·Millennials
Biography
Ondřej Pavelec's journey to the NHL crease began in Kladno, Czech Republic, his draft stock rising after a strong showing at the 2005 World Juniors. Selected by the Atlanta Thrashers, he honed his craft in the AHL before seizing the starting job with a mix of athleticism and a knack for the spectacular save. His career became intertwined with franchise relocation; when the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg in 2011, Pavelec was the goalie in the mask for the Jets' emotional return, endearing himself to a passionate new fanbase. While his statistics were sometimes uneven, his resilience was never in question, battling through injuries and criticism. His final NHL season with the New York Rangers was a coda to a solid, workmanlike career defined by loyalty to the organization that drafted him.
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.
Ondřej 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 Ondřej 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
Ondřej'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 399 regular season NHL games, primarily for the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise.
- Backstopped the Winnipeg Jets to their first playoff appearance after relocation in the 2014-15 season.
- Won a bronze medal with the Czech Republic at the 2012 IIHF World Championship.
- Recorded 21 shutouts over his NHL career.
Did You Know?
During the 2012 NHL lockout, he played for two European clubs: Bílí Tygři Liberec in the Czech Republic and the Pelicans in Finland.
He was drafted 41st overall in 2005, the same draft that produced Sidney Crosby as the first pick.
Pavelec famously made a stunning, diving stick save against the Dallas Stars in 2014 that was a finalist for the NHL's 'Save of the Year'.
“You have to be ready for the puck, no matter where it comes from.”
