Martin Hanzal is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic. He was born on February 20, 1987, in Pisek, Czechoslovakia. Hanzal began his hockey career in his home country, playing for HC Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Extraliga. He was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, 17th overall.
Hanzal made his NHL debut with the Coyotes in the 2007-08 season, playing in 72 games and scoring 8 goals and 16 assists. He quickly established himself as a reliable two-way center, known for his size, strength, and defensive abilities. Hanzal played for the Coyotes for ten seasons, becoming a fan favorite and a key player on the team.
During his time with the Coyotes, Hanzal played in 673 games, scoring 127 goals and 196 assists for a total of 323 points. He was a consistent performer, averaging around 40 points per season and playing in all situations, including the power play and penalty kill. Hanzal was also known for his physical play, often leading the team in hits and blocked shots.
In addition to his NHL career, Hanzal also represented the Czech Republic in international competition. He played in several World Junior Championships, World Championships, and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Hanzal was a key player for the Czech team, often playing in a shutdown role against the opposing team's top players.
In 2017, Hanzal was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he played for one season before being traded again to the Dallas Stars. He played in 38 games for the Stars before being sidelined by a back injury that ultimately ended his career. Hanzal announced his retirement from professional hockey in September 2019, citing the toll that injuries had taken on his body.
Overall, Martin Hanzal had a successful career in the NHL, playing for over a decade and establishing himself as a reliable two-way center. He was known for his physical play, defensive abilities, and leadership on and off the ice. While injuries ultimately cut his career short, Hanzal will be remembered as a respected and beloved player by fans and teammates alike.
🏒