Thomas Greiss
A German goaltender who carved out a long NHL career as a reliable backup, known for his calm demeanor and clutch playoff performances.
Born 1986 (age 40)·German ice hockey player·Birthday: January 29·Millennials
Biography
Thomas Greiss emerged from the small Bavarian town of Füssen, a traditional hockey hotbed, to become one of the most successful German goaltenders in NHL history. His path wasn't that of a flashy superstar, but of a steadfast workhorse who mastered the art of the backup role. Drafted by San Jose in 2004, he patiently honed his craft in the minors before becoming a dependable journeyman, stopping pucks for six different franchises. His peak came with the New York Islanders, where his steady presence helped anchor the team during several playoff runs. Greiss's legacy is one of quiet consistency, proving that resilience and technical proficiency can forge a lasting career at the world's highest level, all while representing German hockey with understated pride.
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.
Thomas was born in 1986, 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 Thomas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Thomas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
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
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 250 regular-season games in the NHL across a 14-season career.
- Posted a .925 save percentage in the 2016 playoffs, backstopping the New York Islanders to their first series win in 23 years.
- Won a silver medal with Germany at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
- Recorded 25 shutouts during his professional career in North America.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted as a forward in German youth hockey before switching to goaltender.
Greiss is an avid sim racing enthusiast and has competed in virtual events.
He played for the same DEL team, Löwen Frankfurt, both before his NHL career and after returning to Germany.
“Just stop the puck. That's the only thing that matters.”
