Steve Saviano
A tenacious winger who carved out a professional hockey career through sheer grit, culminating in an unexpected Olympic appearance.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: August 31·Millennials
Biography
Steve Saviano's story is one of persistence over preordained stardom. Undrafted after a solid career at the University of New Hampshire, he refused to let that be the final word. He embarked on a professional journey defined by adaptability, playing for over a dozen teams across North America and Europe. Saviano was the quintessential hard-nosed, two-way forward, earning his ice time with relentless forechecking and a responsible defensive game. His dedication was ultimately rewarded in a storybook fashion: after years in the minors and European leagues, his form caught the eye of Team USA selectors, leading to a surprise call-up for the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, where he competed on the world's biggest stage.
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.
Steve was born in 1981, 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 Steve Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Steve's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
- Played over 200 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) for several franchises.
- Had a successful collegiate career at the University of New Hampshire, reaching the NCAA Frozen Four in 2002 and 2003.
- Enjoyed a lengthy professional career spanning 13 seasons across North America and Europe.
Did You Know?
He was teammates with current NHL head coach David Quinn at Boston University for one season before transferring.
Saviano played in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for Växjö Lakers before his Olympic selection.
His Olympic team in 2018 was composed largely of minor league and European-based players due to the NHL's non-participation.
He served as an alternate captain for the AHL's Portland Pirates during the 2011-12 season.
“You have to be ready to go wherever the game takes you, and make the most of that jersey.”
