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Anze KopitarProfessional Slovenian ice hockey player
Date of Birth: 24.08.1987
Country:  Slovakia |
Content:
- Personal Life and Family Background
- Early Hockey Career
- NHL and International Career
- International
- Awards and Accomplishments
Personal Life and Family Background
Born on October 24, 1987, in Jesenice, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia), Anze Kopitar is the son of former hockey player Matjaz Kopitar and Mateja Kopitar. His father represented Yugoslavia and Slovenia in international competitions, while his mother worked at their family restaurant. Kopitar has a younger brother, Gasper, who also pursued hockey and is currently playing in the US Hockey League.
Early Hockey Career
Kopitar first stepped onto the ice at the age of four, coached by his father, who had flooded the backyard rink for him. He quickly developed a passion for the sport and played extensively as a child. At the age of 14, Kopitar moved to Sweden to hone his skills away from his parents. After his first season in the NHL, he brought his family to Los Angeles and currently resides in Manhattan Beach.
NHL and International Career
NHLKopitar was drafted 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut on October 6, 2006, against the Anaheim Ducks, scoring two goals. Kopitar has spent his entire NHL career with the Kings, becoming a key player and fan favorite.
International
Kopitar first represented Slovenia at the 2003 World Junior Championship in Division I. He went on to play in the Under-18 and Under-20 World Championships in 2004, as well as the Junior and Youth World Championships in 2005. In 2006, he made his debut for the Slovenian national team at the World Championship in Division I. Kopitar has played a significant role in Slovenia's success at the international level, helping them win the Division I World Championship in 2007.
Awards and Accomplishments
2014 Stanley Cup Champion with the Los Angeles KingsFrank J. Selke Trophy winner in 2016 and 2018
NHL All-Star Game participant in 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2019
Slovenia's Sportsman of the Year in 2014 and 2016
Personal Interests
Outside of hockey, Kopitar enjoys playing soccer and is a supporter of the football club NK Maribor. He speaks five languages: Slovenian, Serbian, German, Swedish, and English.
