Richard Petiot
A defenseman whose perseverance through the minors and brief NHL call-ups defined the gritty reality of a professional hockey journey.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: August 20·Millennials
Biography
Richard Petiot's hockey path was one of steadfast dedication. Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2001 after a solid junior career, the defenseman from Alberta embodied the archetype of a hard-working, stay-at-home blueliner. His professional journey was largely spent in the American Hockey League, where he became a reliable fixture for teams like the Manchester Monarchs and Norfolk Admirals, known for his physical play and shot-blocking willingness. Petiot's NHL moments were fleeting but hard-earned: a handful of games with the Los Angeles Kings, and later, single-game stints with the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning. These call-ups were the reward for years of consistency in the minors. After several seasons, he continued his career overseas before retiring. His story is less about stardom and more a testament to the depth of talent and resolve required to even briefly touch the ice at hockey's highest level.
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 1982, 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 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Richard's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 4th round (116th overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
- Played 13 regular-season games in the NHL across three different franchises (Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa Bay).
- Had a lengthy AHL career, playing over 400 games for affiliates like the Manchester Monarchs and Norfolk Admirals.
Did You Know?
He played college hockey for four seasons at Colorado College before turning professional.
He won an AHL championship (Calder Cup) with the Norfolk Admirals in 2012.
His brother, Drew Petiot, also played professional hockey in the minor leagues.
He served as an alternate captain for the AHL's Norfolk Admirals during the 2011-12 season.
“My job was simple: clear the front, block the shot, and keep it out.”
