Taylor Chorney
A journeyman defenseman who carved out an 11-year pro career through sheer determination, culminating in a Stanley Cup win as a trusted depth player.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian-American ice hockey player·Birthday: April 27·Millennials
Biography
Taylor Chorney’s hockey narrative is the classic story of the depth player who outworks everyone to stay in the league. A standout at the University of North Dakota and a second-round draft pick, his path to the NHL was never linear. He bounced between the AHL and the show, playing for five different organizations and becoming the definition of a reliable 'seventh defenseman.' Chorney’s value wasn't in flashy stats but in his preparedness, his sound positional play, and his positive presence in the locker room. That value was never more apparent than during the 2017-18 season with the Washington Capitals. While he suited up for only a handful of regular-season games, his steadying influence in practice and his readiness when called upon earned him a place on the playoff roster and, ultimately, his name on the Stanley Cup—a perfect reward for a career built on perseverance and professionalism.
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.
Taylor was born in 1987, 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 Taylor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Taylor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
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
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Washington Capitals in 2018.
- Captained the University of North Dakota men's hockey team during his senior year.
- Played over 150 regular-season games in the NHL across five different franchises.
- Won a silver medal with Team USA at the 2007 IIHF World U20 Championships (World Juniors).
Did You Know?
His father, Marc Chorney, also played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.
He was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but represents the United States internationally due to his American mother.
He played college hockey at the University of North Dakota alongside NHL players like Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie.
After retiring, he transitioned into a role as a development coach for the Washington Capitals organization.
“You prepare every day like you're playing, because you never know when your number gets called.”
