Raphael Diaz
A skilled and dependable Swiss defenseman who became a national team pillar and a champion at home after a notable NHL journey.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Swiss ice hockey player·Birthday: January 9·Millennials
Biography
Raphael Diaz carved out a respected career as a mobile, intelligent defenseman, first making his name in the Swiss National League with EV Zug. His poised playmaking caught the eye of NHL scouts, leading to a North American chapter where he suited up for several Original Six and Canadian franchises, including the Montreal Canadiens. While he never became a star in the league, he provided steady minutes and a right-handed shot from the blue line. His true legacy was cemented upon his return to Switzerland, where his experience and leadership became invaluable. Diaz helped guide HC Fribourg-Gottéron to a Swiss Cup victory and was a central figure in EV Zug's National League championship, ending a long title drought for the club and solidifying his status as a Swiss hockey mainstay.
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.
Raphael was born in 1986, 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 Raphael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Raphael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
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
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League championship with EV Zug in the 2020-21 season.
- Lifted the Swiss Cup with HC Fribourg-Gottéron in 2019.
- Represented Switzerland in multiple IIHF World Championships and the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
- Played over 200 regular-season games in the NHL across four different teams.
Did You Know?
He served as the captain of the Swiss national team at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
He was undrafted by the NHL and signed as a free agent by the Montreal Canadiens in 2011.
His father, Ricardo Diaz, was also a professional ice hockey player.
He won a Spengler Cup with Team Canada in 2012, as the tournament invites players from various leagues.
“My game is about making the simple, smart play under pressure.”
