Michal Pivonka is a former Czech ice hockey player who played as a center. He was born on March 18, 1966, in Kladno, Czechoslovakia. Pivonka began his professional career in Czechoslovakia with HC Kladno in 1983. He played for the team for four seasons before being drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
Pivonka made his NHL debut with the Capitals in the 1986-87 season. He quickly established himself as a reliable center and became a regular in the team's lineup. Pivonka was known for his excellent passing skills and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He was also a solid defensive player and was often used on the penalty kill.
Pivonka played for the Capitals for his entire NHL career, which spanned 13 seasons. He was a consistent performer for the team and was one of their top players during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Pivonka was a key member of the Capitals team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998, although they ultimately lost to the Detroit Red Wings.
Over the course of his NHL career, Pivonka played in 825 games and scored 181 goals and 418 assists for a total of 599 points. He ranks fifth on the Capitals' all-time list for assists and seventh for points. Pivonka was also a durable player, missing only 28 games in his entire NHL career.
After retiring from the NHL in 1999, Pivonka returned to his native Czech Republic and played for HC Sparta Praha for two seasons. He then retired from professional hockey in 2001.
Pivonka's contributions to the Capitals were not limited to his on-ice performance. He was also a respected leader in the locker room and was known for his work ethic and dedication to the team. Pivonka was awarded the team's Unsung Hero Award four times during his career, which is a testament to his selflessness and commitment to the team's success.
In addition to his professional career, Pivonka also represented the Czech Republic in international competition. He played in the 1991 Canada Cup and the 1992 Winter Olympics, where he helped the Czech Republic win a silver medal.
Overall, Michal Pivonka was a talented and reliable center who played his entire NHL career with the Washington Capitals. He was a consistent performer and a respected leader both on and off the ice. Pivonka's contributions to the Capitals will always be remembered by fans of the team.
🏒