Slovak professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL and represented Slovakia in international competitions. Known for his skills as a left winger and scoring abilities.
Michal Handzu, a Slovak former professional ice hockey center, is known for his impressive career spanning over two decades, with a notable highlight being his Stanley Cup victory with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013.
Handzu's remarkable journey in the National Hockey League (NHL) saw him play for several top-tier teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, earning him a reputation as a skilled and versatile player.
Born on March 11, 1977, in Slovakia, Handzu began his hockey career playing for his hometown club, HC 05 Banská Bystrica, in the Slovak Extraliga.
In 1991, he participated in the Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournament with a youth team from Poprad, Slovakia, showcasing his early talent and potential.
Drafted 101st overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues, Handzu went on to play for the team from 1998 to 2000.
During his time with the Blues, he formed a formidable line with Pavol Demitra andubo Barteko, known as the "Slovak Pack line."
In the 1999-2000 season, Handzu finished second in voting for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defensive forward.
Throughout his NHL career, Handzu played for several teams, including the Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks.
Handzu represented Slovakia at various international ice hockey tournaments, including the 2002, 2010, and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Michal Handzu's illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the world of ice hockey, inspiring future generations of Slovak players to follow in his footsteps.
His dedication, skill, and perseverance have earned him a place among the greatest Slovak hockey players of all time, cementing his legacy in the annals of NHL history.
47 Years Old
Slovakian right winger who played for several NHL teams, winning three Stanley Cups and earning numerous accolades for his impressive scoring and defensive skills.
49 Years Old
A towering defenseman who captained the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship and holds the record for most games played by a defenseman in NHL history.
51 Years Old
Slovak professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL and won numerous awards, including the Stanley Cup. Known for his defensive skills and strong shot-blocking ability.
51 Years Old
Slovakian forward who played in the NHL for 16 seasons, earning 768 points and representing his country in multiple international tournaments.
44 Years Old
Slovak professional ice hockey winger who played in the NHL for 15 seasons, winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer in 2001-02. Known for his speed, skill, and scoring prowess.
