Patrice Cormier
A hard-nosed forward whose journey through professional hockey's trenches was defined by resilience, leadership, and a controversial early incident.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: June 14·Millennials
Biography
Patrice Cormier's hockey career is a complex narrative of promise, infamy, and perseverance. A standout junior player known for his physical, two-way game, he captained Canada's World Junior team and was a coveted NHL draft pick. His path, however, was forever marked by a 2010 incident in the QMJHL where a severe hit resulted in a season-long suspension and criminal charges, casting a long shadow. He eventually reached the NHL, playing parts of four seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, where he was valued more for his grit and defensive responsibility than scoring. Unable to secure a permanent roster spot, he became a mainstay in the American Hockey League, known as a respected leader and consummate professional who mentored younger players while continuing to compete at a high level in senior leagues.
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.
Patrice was born in 1990, 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 Patrice Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Patrice's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained Team Canada to a silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships.
- Played 57 regular-season games in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets between 2013 and 2015.
- Won the QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup with the Rimouski Océanic in the 2008-2009 season.
- Served as an alternate captain for the Manitoba Moose, the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets.
Did You Know?
He was drafted 54th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2008, but was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets organization before playing an NHL game for them.
Following his junior hockey suspension, he underwent anger management counseling and publicly expressed remorse for his on-ice actions.
He is known for his community involvement, particularly with youth hockey programs in Manitoba.
“I know what happened that night, and I have to live with it every day.”
