Shawn Matthias
A versatile and hard-working forward who carved out a decade-long NHL career through relentless physical play and adaptability.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: February 19·Millennials
Biography
Shawn Matthias built his NHL existence in the trenches. A big, strong center drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, he was traded to the Florida Panthers before ever playing a game for Detroit, a move that set the tone for a journeyman's career. In Florida, he established his identity: a power forward who could skate well for his size, win board battles, and crash the net. He wasn't a prolific scorer, but he was a reliable, punishing presence who could slot into the middle or on the wing, a flexibility coaches prized. This utility led him across North America, with stops in Vancouver, Toronto, Colorado, and Winnipeg. His best offensive season came with the Canucks, where he netted 18 goals, showcasing the finishing touch that complemented his grinding style. Matthias's career was defined not by All-Star nods, but by the consistent, hard minutes he logged for every team that acquired him, embodying the blue-collar spirit of the sport.
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.
Shawn was born in 1988, 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 Shawn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Shawn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
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
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a career-high 18 goals and 27 points in the 2014-15 season with the Vancouver Canucks.
- Played 570 regular-season games in the NHL across six different franchises.
- Recorded his first NHL hat trick on March 10, 2015, while playing for the Vancouver Canucks against the San Jose Sharks.
- Was originally selected 47th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
- Won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships.
Did You Know?
He played his junior hockey for the Belleville Bulls in the OHL, where he was a teammate of future NHL star P.K. Subban.
He scored his first NHL goal against future Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur.
His uncle, Mark Greig, was also an NHL player, drafted in the first round in 1990.
He was known for his exceptional speed and was often among the fastest skaters on his teams.
He retired from professional hockey in 2020 after a season in Germany.
“My job was to win battles in the corners and in front of the net.”
