Patric Hörnqvist
A net-front warrior with an unshakable will, he turned relentless effort and a nose for rebounds into two Stanley Cup championships.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Swedish ice hockey player·Birthday: January 1·Millennials
Biography
Patric Hörnqvist's path to NHL glory was not that of a finesse prodigy but of a human battering ram. Drafted last in 2005, the Swedish winger built a 15-year career on sheer tenacity, becoming the league's premier 'garbage goal' specialist. His office was the blue paint in front of the opponent's net, where he absorbed punishment to deflect pucks and pounce on loose change. This grinding style made him a fan favorite in Nashville and a perfect fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored the Cup-winning goal in 2016 and won again in 2017. Though not the fastest or most skilled, Hörnqvist's competitive fire and physical sacrifice made him an indispensable piece on every team he played for, retiring as one of Sweden's most decorated NHL players.
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.
Patric 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 Patric 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
Patric'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
- Scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of the 2016 Finals.
- Won two Stanley Cup championships (2016, 2017) as a key contributor with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Played over 900 regular season NHL games, amassing over 500 points as a relentless power-forward.
- Represented Sweden internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World Championships.
Did You Know?
He was the very last pick (230th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, earning him the title of 'Mr. Irrelevant' for that year.
He holds the Nashville Predators franchise record for most goals in a single season by a rookie (30 in 2009-10).
He is known for his intense, fiery demeanor on the ice, often engaging in post-whistle scrums.
He won the Guldhjälmen award as the Swedish Hockey League's most valuable player in the 2009-10 season, just before joining the NHL full-time.
“I go to the net because that's where the goals are made.”
