Patrick Sharp
A versatile forward whose sharpshooting and two-way play were central to three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Canadian hockey player·Birthday: December 27·Millennials
Biography
Patrick Sharp's hockey journey was one of evolution, transforming from a promising prospect into a clutch performer on championship teams. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers, he found his true home after a trade to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2005. In Chicago, Sharp's game blossomed; he became a consistent 30-goal scorer and a responsible two-way winger whose speed and shot were trademarks. His peak coincided with the Blackhawks' dynasty, where he was an integral part of teams that won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. After a stint with the Dallas Stars, he returned to Chicago to finish his playing career. Post-retirement, he smoothly transitioned into broadcasting and later took a front-office role with the Flyers, applying his hockey intellect to a new challenge.
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.
Patrick was born in 1981, 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 Patrick Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Patrick's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Stanley Cup three times as a key forward with the Chicago Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015).
- Was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2011.
- Won the NHL Plus-Minus Award in 2013-14 with a league-best +28 rating.
- Scored over 600 points (287 goals, 333 assists) in his 15-season NHL career.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted in the 3rd round, 95th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2001.
He won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Championship.
His father was a professional soccer player in the North American Soccer League.
“I wasn't the flashiest guy, but I found my role and made sure it mattered.”
