Yann Danis
A journeyman goaltender whose perseverance and technical skill earned him NHL starts after a standout collegiate career at Brown University.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: June 21·Millennials
Biography
Yann Danis carved out a professional hockey career defined not by superstardom but by remarkable resilience and preparation. Hailing from Quebec, he took an unconventional route, playing NCAA hockey for Brown University where he set an Ivy League record for career save percentage, proving himself against future professionals. Undrafted, he signed with the Montreal Canadiens and spent years honing his craft in the minors, waiting for his shot. When it came, he displayed a calm, positional butterfly style, most notably during a stretch with the New York Islanders where he carried a heavy workload. His path took him to several NHL clubs, often as a reliable backup, and included a championship season in the AHL. Danis's story is one of a quiet competitor who maximized his talent through dedication, earning the respect of teammates and coaches across the league.
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.
Yann 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 Yann Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Yann'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
- Won the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding goaltender in 2012 while playing for the Oklahoma City Barons.
- Recorded a 10-2-2 record with the New York Islanders in the 2008-09 season, posting a .910 save percentage during that stint.
- Set the Ivy League career record for save percentage (.931) during his tenure at Brown University.
- Backstopped the Hamilton Bulldogs to the AHL's Calder Cup Finals in 2007.
Did You Know?
He majored in Business Economics while playing hockey at Brown University.
He recorded his first NHL shutout against the Atlanta Thrashers on March 29, 2006, while playing for the Montreal Canadiens.
He played for Team Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Championship.
“My job is to stop the puck, nothing more and nothing less.”
