Ľubomír Višňovský facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ľubomír Višňovský |
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Višňovský with the New York Islanders in 2013
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| Born | 11 August 1976 Topoľčany, Czechoslovakia |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | ||
| Weight | 192 lb (87 kg; 13 st 10 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | HC Slovan Bratislava Los Angeles Kings Edmonton Oilers Anaheim Ducks New York Islanders |
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| National team |  Slovakia |
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| NHL Draft | 118th overall, 2000 Los Angeles Kings |
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| Playing career | 1994–2016 | ||
Ľubomír Višňovský (born 11 August 1976) is a former professional ice hockey player from Slovakia. He played as a defenceman, which is a player who helps protect their team's goal. He started and finished his hockey career with his hometown club, HC Slovan Bratislava. Višňovský also played for 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Islanders.
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Playing Career Highlights
Before joining the NHL, Višňovský played for HC Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia. He was chosen by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. This means the Kings picked him to join their team. He was the 118th player picked overall that year.
Starting in the NHL
Višňovský joined the Kings for the 2000–01 NHL season. He quickly showed how good he was. He was even named to the NHL All-Rookie Team, which is a special group of the best new players in the league. He scored 39 points that season, more than any other rookie defenceman.
He stayed with the Kings for seven seasons. In the 2005–06 NHL season, he had his best year, scoring 67 points. He was also chosen to play in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game, which features the best players from around the league. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, when NHL games were paused, he went back to play in his home country.
Moving to Other Teams
On June 29, 2008, Višňovský was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. A trade means he moved to a different team in exchange for other players. He got injured on February 5, 2009, when he dislocated his shoulder. This injury needed surgery, and he missed the rest of that season.
Later, on March 3, 2010, Višňovský was traded again, this time to the Anaheim Ducks. On March 4, 2011, he made history for the Ducks. He scored three goals in one game, which is called a hat trick. It was the first time a defenceman for the Anaheim Ducks scored a hat trick. His third goal came with only four seconds left in overtime!
Joining the Islanders and Retirement
On June 22, 2012, Višňovský was traded to the New York Islanders. There was a disagreement about his contract at first, but the trade was eventually confirmed. He didn't report to the team right away, but he joined them by February 11, 2013. He then signed a new contract to stay with the Islanders for two more years.
After playing for parts of three seasons with the Islanders, Višňovský became a free agent. This means he was free to sign with any team. On September 16, 2015, he tried out for the Chicago Blackhawks. After the tryout, he returned to his original club, HC Slovan Bratislava, in October 2015. Ľubomír Višňovský officially announced his retirement from hockey in March 2016.
Awards and Honours
 Višňovský at the 2008 World Championships |
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| Medal record | ||
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| Representing Slovakia |
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| Ice hockey | ||
| World Championships | ||
| Bronze | 2003 Helsinki | |
| Gold | 2002 Gothenburg | |
| Silver | 2000 St. Petersburg | |
| Inline Hockey | ||
| World Championships | ||
| Silver | 2008 Bratislava | |
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Slovakia | |
| Best Defenceman in Slovakia | 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 |
| Best Player in Slovakia | 2005 |
| NHL | |
| All-Rookie Team | 2001 |
| All-Star Game | 2007 |
| NHL second All-Star team | 2011 |
Images for kids
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Višňovský with the Edmonton Oilers in 2009
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Višňovský (shown here in 2006) was named to the NHL All-Star Game in 2007.
