Ľubomír Višňovský facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ľubomír Višňovský
Višňovský with the New York Islanders in 2013
Born	(1976-08-11) 11 August 1976 (age 48) Topoľčany, Czechoslovakia
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
National team	Slovakia
NHL Draft	118th overall, 2000 Los Angeles Kings
Playing career	1994–2016

Ľubomír Višňovský (born August 11, 1976) is a former professional ice hockey player from Slovakia. He was a defence player, which means he helped protect his team's goal.

Višňovský started and ended his hockey career with his hometown team, HC Slovan Bratislava. He also played for 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for famous teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Islanders.

Playing Career Highlights

Before joining the NHL, Višňovský played for HC Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia. In the year 2000, the Los Angeles Kings picked him in the NHL Entry Draft. He was the 118th player chosen overall.

Višňovský quickly made it to the Kings' team for the 2000–01 NHL season. He was even named to the NHL All-Rookie Team because he played so well. He scored 39 points, which was the most for any rookie defence player that season.

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. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, when NHL games were paused, he went back to play in his home country.

Višňovský playing for the Edmonton Oilers in 2009.

On June 29, 2008, Višňovský was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. This happened just before a special part of his contract would have stopped the trade. Sadly, he got injured in February 2009. He dislocated his shoulder and needed surgery, which ended his season early.

On March 3, 2010, Višňovský was traded again, this time to the Anaheim Ducks. He made history with the Ducks on March 4, 2011. He scored three goals in one game, which is called a "hat trick." It was the first time a defence player for the Ducks had ever done that! His third goal came with only four seconds left in overtime.

On June 22, 2012, Višňovský was traded to the New York Islanders. He was unsure about this trade at first. He thought a part of his old contract should have stopped it. However, an official decision was made, and the trade was allowed to happen.

Višňovský did not join the Islanders team right away. But his agent, who helps players with their contracts, said he would report to the team by February 11, 2013. He later signed a new contract to play for the Islanders for two more years.

After playing for the Islanders for parts of three seasons, Višňovský became a free agent. This means he could choose any team to play for. On September 16, 2015, he tried out for the Chicago Blackhawks. After the tryout, he went back to his first team, HC Slovan Bratislava, in October 2015. Višňovský announced he was retiring from hockey in March 2016.

International Career

Višňovský at the 2008 World Championships
Medal record
Representing  Slovakia
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze	2003 Helsinki
Gold	2002 Gothenburg
Silver	2000 St. Petersburg
Inline Hockey
World Championships
Silver	2008 Bratislava

Ľubomír Višňovský also proudly represented his home country, Slovakia, in many international hockey tournaments. He played in the IIHF World Junior Championships when he was younger.

As a senior player, he competed in the IIHF World Championships and the Olympic Games. He helped Slovakia win several medals. He earned a silver medal in 2000, a gold medal in 2002, and a bronze medal in 2003 at the World Championships. He also played in the World Cup of Hockey.

Awards and Honours

Višňovský (shown here in 2006) was named to the NHL All-Star Game in 2007.

Višňovský received many awards during his impressive career: