Richard Bachman (ice hockey)
An undersized American goaltender who battled his way to the NHL, then shaped the next generation of netminders as a respected coach.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: July 25·Millennials
Biography
Richard Bachman’s hockey story is a lesson in perseverance. Growing up in Colorado, he was often deemed too small for the prototypical NHL goaltender, but he compensated with exceptional quickness, sharp technique, and a fierce competitive streak. After a standout collegiate career at Colorado College, he turned professional and began the long grind through the minor leagues. His breakthrough came with the Dallas Stars, where he earned his first NHL start and victory, a moment of validation for the undrafted free agent. He carved out a role as a reliable backup and spot starter over parts of six NHL seasons, known for his calm demeanor under pressure. Upon hanging up his pads, Bachman immediately transitioned into coaching, joining the Iowa Wild. His firsthand experience of the path from prospect to professional now informs his work developing young goaltenders.
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.
Richard 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 Richard 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
Richard'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
- Won the award for best goaltender in the WCHA conference while playing for Colorado College.
- Earned his first NHL win with a 34-save performance for the Dallas Stars in 2011.
- Played in 40 regular-season NHL games across three different franchises.
- Appointed goaltending coach for the AHL's Iowa Wild following his retirement as a player.
Did You Know?
He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, but grew up playing hockey in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
He went undrafted by any NHL team before signing as a free agent with Dallas.
His father, Rob, was a goaltender who played minor professional hockey.
“I proved you can play at the highest level no matter your size.”
