Roman Hamrlik is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 20 seasons. He was born on April 12, 1974, in Zlin, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). Hamrlik began his hockey career in his home country, playing for HC Zlin in the Czech Extraliga. He was drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, making him the first Czech player to be selected first overall in an NHL draft.
Hamrlik made his NHL debut in the 1992-93 season with the Lightning, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. He played for the Oilers for three seasons before being traded to the New York Islanders. Hamrlik played for the Islanders for two seasons before being traded to the Calgary Flames, where he played for four seasons. He then played for the Montreal Canadiens for four seasons before being traded to the Washington Capitals. Hamrlik played for the Capitals for two seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers, where he played for one season before retiring in 2013.
Throughout his career, Hamrlik was known for his strong defensive play and his ability to move the puck up the ice. He was also a durable player, playing in over 1,300 NHL games and missing only 97 games due to injury. Hamrlik was a two-time NHL All-Star, representing the Canadiens in 2007 and the Capitals in 2011.
Hamrlik also represented the Czech Republic in international play, playing in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics, as well as the 1996 and 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He helped lead the Czech Republic to a gold medal at the 1998 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2006 Olympics.
Off the ice, Hamrlik was known for his charitable work. He established the Roman Hamrlik Foundation in 2003, which supports children's charities in the Czech Republic and Canada. He also donated $1 million to the Montreal Children's Hospital in 2007.
In conclusion, Roman Hamrlik had a successful 20-year career in the NHL, playing for seven different teams and earning a reputation as a strong defensive player. He also represented the Czech Republic in international play and was known for his charitable work off the ice.
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