Reto Berra
A stalwart Swiss goaltender who carved out an NHL opportunity after establishing himself as a premier netminder in Europe's top league.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Swiss ice hockey player·Birthday: January 3·Millennials
Biography
Reto Berra's path showcased the global reach of modern hockey. He developed his craft in the Swiss National League, evolving from a prospect with GCK Zurich to a backbone for teams like EHC Biel and HC Davos. His large frame and athletic style eventually caught the eye of NHL scouts, leading to a draft pick and a late-bloomer's chance across the Atlantic. While his North American tenure was that of a reliable backup and organizational goaltender for the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers, his true impact remained with the Swiss national team. Berra served as a crucial pillar in goal for Switzerland in multiple World Championships and the 2014 Sochi Olympics, helping to cement the country's status as a consistent international threat. His career embodies the two-track life of many European players, balancing club success at home with the challenge and honor of representing their nation.
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.
Reto 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 Reto 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
Reto'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
- Represented Switzerland in men's ice hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
- Played 86 regular-season games in the NHL across stints with the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers.
- Backstopped EHC Biel to a Swiss National League A playoff finals appearance in the 2012-13 season.
- Was a mainstay for the Swiss national team, participating in multiple IIHF World Championships.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2006 but was traded to Calgary before playing an NHL game for them.
He scored a goal in a Swiss National League game in 2016 while playing for HC Davos.
He shares a birthday (January 3rd) with fellow NHL goalie Jocelyn Thibault.
After his NHL career, he returned to Switzerland to play for HC Fribourg-Gottéron.
“Every save is a battle, and I want to win every single one.”
