Slava Voynov
A smooth-skating Russian defenseman who won two Stanley Cups before his NHL career was cut short by a domestic violence incident and suspension.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Russian ice hockey player·Birthday: January 15·Millennials
Biography
Slava Voynov's hockey narrative is a stark tale of immense talent overshadowed by grave personal conduct. Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings, he quickly matured into a vital, puck-moving piece of their defense corps. His poised play and offensive instincts from the blue line were integral to the Kings' Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, forming a formidable partnership with Drew Doughty. In 2014, however, his career trajectory shattered when he was arrested and charged with domestic violence against his wife. He pleaded no contest, received a jail sentence, and was suspended indefinitely by the NHL. After being deported to Russia, he resumed his career in the KHL, where he has remained a top defenseman, his legacy in North American hockey permanently fractured.
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.
Slava was born in 1990, 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 Slava Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Slava's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Stanley Cup twice with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014.
- Represented the Russian Olympic Committee team, winning a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
- Named to the KHL All-Star Game multiple times during his tenure with SKA St. Petersburg and Avangard Omsk.
- Recorded 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in the Kings' 2014 Stanley Cup playoff run.
Did You Know?
He was the first Russian-born player to win the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings.
His NHL rights are still retained by the Los Angeles Kings, though he cannot play in the league due to his suspension.
He won the Gagarin Cup, the KHL championship, with SKA St. Petersburg in 2017.
He wears the number 26, which he also wore with the Los Angeles Kings.
“I focus on my game and helping my team win.”
