Pavel Kubina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pavel Kubina |
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Kubina with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008
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| Born | April 15, 1977 Čeladná, Czechoslovakia |
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| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | ||
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Thrashers Philadelphia Flyers |
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| National team |  Czech Republic |
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| NHL Draft | 179th overall, 1996 Tampa Bay Lightning |
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| Playing career | 1993–2013 | ||
Pavel Kubina is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic. He was born on April 15, 1977. Pavel played as a defenceman, which is a player who helps protect their team's goal. He spent many years playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers, and Philadelphia Flyers. His NHL career lasted from 1998 to 2012.
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Pavel Kubina's Hockey Journey
Starting in the Czech Republic
Pavel Kubina began his professional hockey career in his home country. He played for a team called HC Vítkovice in the Czech Extraliga. He played there for four seasons. During this time, in 1996, the Tampa Bay Lightning picked him in the NHL Entry Draft. He was chosen in the seventh round.
Moving to North America
Later in 1996, Pavel moved to Canada. He joined the Moose Jaw Warriors team in the Western Hockey League (WHL). In the 1996–97 season, he scored 44 points in 61 games.
Pavel made his first appearance in the NHL during the 1997–98 season. However, he spent most of that year playing for the Adirondack Red Wings. This team was part of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Becoming an NHL Star
By the 1998–99 season, Pavel was playing more often in the NHL. He scored 21 points that year. Sometimes, he also played for the Cleveland Lumberjacks in the IHL. By the 1999–2000 season, Pavel had become a regular player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scored 26 points that season.
Pavel continued to improve, scoring 30 points in the 2000–01 season and 34 points in the 2001–02 season.
Winning the Stanley Cup
The 2003–04 season was a very special one for Pavel. He was chosen to play in the 2004 National Hockey League All-Star Game. This is a big honor for a hockey player. Even better, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup that year! They beat the Calgary Flames in the Finals. Winning the Stanley Cup is one of the biggest achievements in hockey.
New Teams and Later Career
After his time with the Lightning, Pavel signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, 2006. He played for them for several seasons.
On July 1, 2009, Pavel was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. He played there for one season.
Then, on July 2, 2010, Pavel returned to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He signed a two-year contract with his former team.
In February 2012, Pavel was traded again, this time to the Philadelphia Flyers. He finished the 2011–12 season playing for the Flyers.
Retirement from Hockey
After his NHL career, Pavel played a short time for Genève-Servette HC in Switzerland's National Liga A. On December 20, 2013, Pavel Kubina announced that he was retiring from professional hockey.
Pavel's Personal Life
Pavel Kubina is married to Andrea. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Tereza, on November 9, 2006. She was born in the Czech Republic.
Pavel Kubina's International Achievements
Pavel Kubina also proudly represented the Czech Republic in many international tournaments. He helped his country win several medals:
- Bronze Medal:
- 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino
- Gold Medals:
- 1999 IIHF World Championship
- 2001 IIHF World Championship
- 2005 IIHF World Championship
These gold medals show that he was part of some of the best teams in the world!
