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Patrik EliasCzech professional ice hockey player, winger
Date of Birth: 13.04.1976
Country:  Czech |
Content:
- Biography of Patrik Elias
- Early Career
- NHL Success
- Health Struggles and Comeback
- Career Highlights
- Team Captain
- Later Career
- Achievements
- Personal Life
Biography of Patrik Elias
Patrik Elias is a Czech professional ice hockey player who was born on April 13, 1976, in Trebic, Czechoslovakia. He played as a winger and alternate captain for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Early Career
Elias was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 1994 NHL Draft with the overall pick number 51. Alongside Petr Sykora and Jason Arnott, he helped lead the Devils to win the Stanley Cup in the 1999-2000 season. Elias was instrumental in assisting Arnott's game-winning goal in double overtime in Game 6.
NHL Success
In the following season, Elias recorded 96 points in the regular season, making him the third-highest scorer in the league. He played a key role in helping the New Jersey Devils win the Stanley Cup in 2003.
Health Struggles and Comeback
During the NHL lockout in the 2004-2005 season, Elias played in Russia. Unfortunately, he contracted hepatitis A, which caused him to lose approximately 13.5 kg and required him to spend four weeks in bed. The illness significantly affected his form, but he managed to recover after the lockout.
Career Highlights
Elias returned to the ice on January 3, 2006, and quickly made an impact, scoring eight goals in the first four games. He played a crucial role in helping the New Jersey Devils win the Atlantic Division title. In the 2006 playoffs, Elias became the tenth player in NHL history to score six points in a playoff game, with two goals and four assists.
Team Captain
On October 5, 2006, Elias was named the captain of the New Jersey Devils, becoming the seventh captain in the franchise's history. He was also the first European captain in the team's history. However, his captaincy was later revoked by the new coach, Brent Sutter, on December 5, 2007.
Later Career
Despite losing the captaincy, Elias continued to play an important role on the team. He formed a successful line with Dainius Zubrus and Brian Gionta and developed strong chemistry with superstar Zach Parise. In March 2009, Elias became the leading scorer in Devils' history, earning his 702nd point in the regular season.
Achievements
Elias received the Golden Stick Award as the best Czech ice hockey player in the world in 2009, a title previously held by Jaromir Jagr for four years. On December 12, 2009, he scored his 300th career goal against the Philadelphia Flyers. Elias was also named captain of the Czech Republic's national ice hockey team.
Personal Life
Currently, Patrik Elias resides in New Jersey with his wife Petra Volakova, whom he married in 2007.
