Tyler Bozak
A Canadian center who carved out a lasting NHL career through hockey smarts and resilience, culminating in a Stanley Cup win.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: March 19·Millennials
Biography
Tyler Bozak's path to the NHL was unconventional. Undrafted out of junior hockey, he took the college route at the University of Denver, where his offensive skills blossomed. This led to a coveted free-agent signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he quickly became a fan favorite and a reliable top-nine center for nine seasons, often lining up alongside star wingers. Known for his faceoff prowess and sneaky shootout ability, Bozak was a consistent, intelligent presence. In a storybook twist, he signed with the St. Louis Blues in 2018 and, in his first season, played a key depth role in their remarkable worst-to-first run to win the Stanley Cup in 2019. His career is a testament to perseverance and the value of a player who excels in the nuanced details of the 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.
Tyler 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 Tyler Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Tyler'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
- Won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
- Recorded a career-high 55 points (18 goals, 37 assists) in the 2014-15 NHL season with Toronto.
- Led the NHL in shootout-winning goals during the 2013-14 season.
- Signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as one of the most sought-after college free agents in 2009.
Did You Know?
He and his wife have a son named Kanon, whose birth was announced by the Maple Leafs with a clever social media post referencing a 'cannon' addition.
He played lacrosse at a high level in his youth in Saskatchewan.
He was teammates with Phil Kessel in Toronto and later with Kessel again in St. Louis during their Cup run.
“I just tried to work hard every day and make the most of my opportunity.”
