Tomas Kopecky is a former Slovakian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on February 5, 1982, in Ilava, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia).
Kopecky began his professional career in Slovakia, playing for HK Dukla Trencin in the Slovak Extraliga. He was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, and he made his NHL debut with the team in 2005.
Kopecky played for the Red Wings for three seasons, winning the Stanley Cup with the team in 2008. He then signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009, where he played for three seasons and won another Stanley Cup in 2010.
After his time with the Blackhawks, Kopecky played for the Florida Panthers for three seasons before finishing his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015. Over the course of his NHL career, Kopecky played in 578 games, scoring 66 goals and 103 assists for a total of 169 points.
In addition to his NHL career, Kopecky also represented Slovakia in international play. He played in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. He also played in several World Championships and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Kopecky was known for his versatility on the ice, playing both forward and defense throughout his career. He was also known for his physical play and his ability to contribute on the penalty kill.
After retiring from professional hockey, Kopecky returned to Slovakia and became involved in youth hockey development. He founded the Tomas Kopecky Hockey Academy, which provides training and development opportunities for young hockey players in Slovakia.
Overall, Tomas Kopecky had a successful career in professional hockey, winning two Stanley Cups and representing his country in international play. He is now focused on giving back to the sport by helping to develop the next generation of hockey players in Slovakia.
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