Niklas Bäckström
Ice hockey player, NHL goaltender
A former professional ice hockey goaltender, played in the NHL primarily for the Minnesota Wild. Bäckström was a key player during his time in the league, recognized for exceptional reflexes and game awareness. Career highlights include reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs multiple times and being selected as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender. His contributions helped solidify the Minnesota Wild's presence in the NHL during the 2000s and 2010s. Additionally, represented Finland in international competitions, contributing to the team’s successes.
Played for the Minnesota Wild from 2006 to 2017
Finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2008
Competed in multiple IIHF World Championships
Other People Born on February 13th
William Shockley
Physicist and Nobel laureate in physics
Born
February 13th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1989 36 years ago — 79 years old
An English-American physicist and academic, contributions included the invention of the transistor, which significantly advanced electronic technology. Affiliated with Stanford University, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956 along with John Bardeen and Walter Brattain for their roles in the development of the transistor. Later focused on controversial research related to genetics and intelligence.
Continue ReadingChuck Yeager
US Air Force General and test pilot
Born
February 13th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
December 7th, 2020 5 years ago — 97 years old
A pioneering test pilot and U.S. Air Force general, achieved a significant milestone in aviation history by breaking the sound barrier in 1947. Yeager's flight aboard the Bell X-1, named Glamorous Glennis, marked the first time a human surpassed the speed of sound. Following this groundbreaking achievement, Yeager continued to contribute to the field of aviation through numerous test flights and military service during World War II and the Vietnam War. Later, he served as a key figure in aerospace research, sharing expertise with various aircraft programs.
Continue ReadingOliver Reed
English actor in 'Gladiator'
Born
February 13th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1999 26 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1938, an English actor gained recognition for a commanding screen presence and intense performances. Career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1950s. Achievement includes a role in the Oscar-winning film 'Gladiator.' Also appeared in notable films such as 'The Curse of the Werewolf' and 'The Three Musketeers.' Worked in theater and television, showcasing versatility across different media. Reed's off-screen personality was as striking as his on-screen roles, contributing to a public image that blended charm with unpredictability.
Continue ReadingRobert H. Jackson
United States Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice
Born
February 13th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1954 72 years ago — 62 years old
Served as the 57th United States Attorney General from 1940 to 1941. Played a significant role as the chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials, where leading Nazi officials were prosecuted for war crimes after World War II. Appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1941 and served until 1954. Contributed to key decisions in notable Supreme Court cases during tenure.
Continue ReadingHarold Mahony
Scottish-Irish tennis player, Wimbledon winner
Born
February 13th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1905 120 years ago — 38 years old
Born in 1867, a tennis player competed in the late 19th century. Achieved significant recognition by winning the men's doubles title at Wimbledon in 1896 alongside partner Joshua Pim. The victory marked a key achievement in his career. Participated in various tennis competitions during a time when the sport was rapidly gaining popularity. Contributed to the development of tennis in Scotland and Ireland through participation in national events and tournaments.
Continue ReadingFay Ajzenberg-Selove
Nuclear Physicist with key research
Born
February 13th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
August 8th, 2012 13 years ago — 86 years old
An American nuclear physicist contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics, particularly in the study of nuclear reactions. Secured a faculty position at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in experimental nuclear physics. Published several influential papers that advanced understanding of nuclear structures and reactions. A strong advocate for women in science, promoting their participation in the field throughout her career.
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