Theo Peckham
A tough, physical NHL defenseman whose family story is deeply woven into the fabric of hockey history, both in the men's and women's games.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: November 10·Millennials
Biography
Theo Peckham's path to the NHL was defined by grit. A defenseman known for his imposing physical play and willingness to fight, he was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2006 and spent parts of five seasons with the club, embodying the classic enforcer role. His professional journey later took him through the AHL and European leagues. Yet, his most compelling narrative is a familial one. He is the half-brother of Angela James, a pioneer of women's hockey and one of the first two women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Their father, Leo James, was an African American man who left Mississippi for Canada, where he excelled in semi-professional hockey. This unique heritage places Peckham at an intersection of hockey's evolving stories—from racial barriers to the rise of the women's game.
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.
Theo 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 Theo 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
Theo'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
- Played 171 games in the NHL, primarily for the Edmonton Oilers, as a physical defenseman.
- Was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round (75th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
- Represented Canada at the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, winning a gold medal.
Did You Know?
He is the half-brother of Angela James, a foundational star of women's hockey and a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.
His father, Leo James, was a noted African-Canadian semi-professional hockey player in the 1960s and 70s.
He played junior hockey for the Owen Sound Attack in the Ontario Hockey League.
“I earned my ice time by making sure no one took liberties.”
