Scottie Upshall
A high-energy winger whose relentless forechecking and infectious personality made him a fan favorite across a 14-year NHL journey.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Scottie Upshall's hockey path was defined by a blend of first-round pedigree and a blue-collar soul. Drafted sixth overall by Nashville in 2002, his speed and sandpaper style never quite translated into consistent top-line scoring, but they carved out a durable career as a valued role player. He became a journeyman in the truest sense, wearing the sweaters of eight different NHL clubs, from the Flyers to the Coyotes to the Blues. In each city, he was known for his boundless energy on the ice and his genuine, approachable demeanor off it. His post-playing life has seen him transition seamlessly into broadcasting, where his insightful, enthusiastic analysis reflects the same passion that fueled his playing days.
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.
Scottie was born in 1983, 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 Scottie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Scottie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
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
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 6th overall by the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
- Played over 750 regular-season games across 14 seasons in the National Hockey League.
- Represented Canada at the 2002 World Junior Championships, winning a silver medal.
- Served as an alternate captain for the Arizona Coyotes during the 2013-14 season.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of former NHL player and coach Mike Yeo.
During the 2012 NHL lockout, he played for the German club Hamburg Freezers.
He is an avid outdoorsman and hunter, frequently sharing his adventures on social media.
He co-hosted the 'Missin Curfew' podcast with fellow former NHLers Shane O'Brien and Paul Bissonnette.
“I played the game hard and tried to be a good teammate every night.”
