Anze Kopitar: podcast appearances and interviews

Anže Kopitar, born on August 24, 1987, is a Slovenian former professional ice hockey player who spent his entire 20-season NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL entry draft and became the first Slovenian to compete in the league upon his debut in 2006. Kopitar led the Kings in scoring in all but four seasons and holds franchise records for points and assists, ranking third in goals. In 2021, he reached a career milestone by scoring his 1,000th point. Following the 2015–16 season, he was named team captain. Known for his offensive and defensive contributions, he was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward in 2016 and 2018, and was a finalist in 2014 and 2015. He also received the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for gentlemanly play in 2016, 2023, and 2025, and was a finalist in 2015 and 2026. Additionally, Kopitar was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2018. His early hockey development took place with his hometown team HK Acroni Jesenice before moving to Sweden at age 16 to play at higher levels. After a season with Södertälje SK junior teams and one in the Elitserien, he moved to North America in 2006 to join the Kings. He finished fourth in the Calder Memorial Trophy voting for best rookie that year. Renowned for his two-way play, he won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012 and 2014, leading the playoffs in points during both victories. Internationally, he represented Slovenia in multiple tournaments, including the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.