Anže Kopitar – a Slovenian ice hockey legend

Anže Kopitar is the first Slovenian to play in the world’s top ice hockey league, the long-serving captain of the Los Angeles Kings and one of the most successful European ice hockey players of his generation. He has brought his magnificent NHL career to a close. An exceptional sportsman both on and off the ice, he won two Stanley Cups with the club during twenty seasons (2012 and 2014). Anže Kopitar is a symbol of hard work, modesty and respect for teammates and opponents. Through his conduct on and off the ice, he has consistently demonstrated what true fair play means: respect for teammates and opponents, as well as respect for the rules.

Captain of the Los Angeles Kings Anže Kopitar announced his retirement at the start of his twentieth NHL season, which thus became a unique farewell for one of the greatest ice hockey players of his generation. Throughout this time, he remained loyal to the club that selected him eleventh overall in the NHL Draft.

Throughout the season, fans, clubs and numerous giants of world hockey paid tribute to him during away games across the league. At the very end came an emotional climax: in his final game, he left the ice to a standing ovation from the crowd and with immense respect from teammates, opponents, referees and the entire organisation. A farewell befitting the greatest.

“Anže, with your talent, dedication, work ethic and sporting spirit, you have thrilled the hockey world for many years and proudly represented Slovenia on the biggest stage of world hockey. Your career is not merely a series of outstanding sporting achievements, but an inspiration to generations of young hockey players in Slovenia and around the world, who see in you a role model, a leader and proof that even a small hockey nation can produce one of the greatest,” wrote the Slovenian Ice Hockey Association at the conclusion of this exceptional athlete’s career.

As his club was knocked out in the NHL play-offs, Anže bid farewell with a defeat, which is certainly not the send-off he would have wished for. Yet even here, the greatness of Anže Kopitar was evident: dignity in victory and grace in defeat. He ended his career as the Los Angeles Kings’ franchise record-holder for games played, assists and points scored, and as a player who defined an entire era of the club.

From the back garden to the top of the world

Anže comes from a hockey family. He grew up in Hrušica near Jesenice, a place where hockey has long been the dominant sport. Little Anže’s talent was quickly recognised by his father Matjaž – himself a former ice hockey player, coach and long-time head coach of the Slovenian national team – as well as by his grandfather, who set up an ice rink right behind their house. It was his father, Matjaž Kopitar, who became his first coach.

“My memories are wonderful. The early days weren’t difficult, especially under such conditions,” recalls Anže Kopitar, with whom we have spoken several times in recent years.

At the age of 16, he set off for Sweden on his own, a decision that would prove pivotal in his career. 

“Leaving home was a difficult step, but I knew what I wanted. At the same time, I knew I could return home at any time. When you’re 16, buying your own food and skating with players twice your age and far more experienced than you, you have no choice but to learn quickly. You have to grow up at some point. That time came quite early for me,” Kopitar said years ago, reflecting on how his ambition forced him to become independent at an early age.

Even as a young boy, he dreamed of playing hockey, though he could hardly have imagined the scale of his future career: “The dream was to play hockey. To play at this level was a bonus.”

Mr Fair Play

Anže Kopitar was never just a goalscorer or a playmaker. He was one of the most complete players of his generation, a hockey player who performed both offensive and defensive duties at the very highest level. This is confirmed by his two Frank J. Selke Trophies (2016 and 2018), awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward.

Teammates often emphasised that his value extended far beyond statistics. “He does all the little things that most people don’t notice,” said coaches and players who shared the dressing room with him. He was a player who understood the game as a whole. On and off the ice, he was a leader who consistently put the team first. This is precisely why he is often described as a “winner” rather than a player focused on individual numbers.

Alongside his outstanding performance, he was also renowned for his exceptional sportsmanship. On three occasions (in the 2015/16, 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons), he received the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best combines high-level performance with gentlemanly conduct. In the last two seasons alone, he recorded just four penalty minutes in more than 80 games – a remarkable feat in such a physical sport. “I think fair play is a big part of my personality,” he told us in 2024.

Modesty that reveals greatness

Despite all his records and honours, Kopitar has never sought the limelight. When he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, he remarked after the game that the record meant little because the team had not won. Anže Kopitar is the kind of player who has always placed the team ahead of personal achievements.

Teammates describe him as a true captain, an idol and an icon. But those who know him well often highlight something else: his exceptional down-to-earth nature, professionalism and simplicity. One story from Los Angeles tells how, after his daughter’s birthday, he brought cupcakes for arena staff, or how he would casually chat with the ice maintenance crew. Small gestures that reveal a great personality.

The King of Los Angeles

30 July 2005 marked the NHL Draft. At the time, the 17-year-old Slovenian was ranked among the top prospects by hockey experts and was subsequently selected 11th overall, alongside Sidney Crosby, Carey Price, Bobby Ryan, Marc Staal and others. The Los Angeles Kings made him the highest-drafted European player.

Following the draft, Kopitar returned to Sweden, and a year later began an extraordinarily successful 20-year NHL career. When he made his debut with the Kings in 2006, he became the first Slovenian ever to play in the league. He scored twice in his very first game and, despite the team’s defeat, immediately signalled the arrival of an exceptional career. American media hailed him as the face of the Kings’ future. In a post-game interview, he told reporter Christine Nubla: “It was pretty good. It would have been even better if we’d won. I tried to give it my all, which I hope showed.”

Throughout his career, he remained loyal to a single club – the Los Angeles Kings – placing him among the rare athletes who spend their entire professional careers with one team. And although he became a global sports star, he remained true to himself and to his homeland. He represented Slovenia at several World Championships and at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. (Note: NHL players did not participate in the 2018 PyeongChang Games.)

He continues to spend his summers in Slovenia, where, together with national team teammate and Slovenian ice hockey legend Tomaž Razingar, he organises an ice hockey academy in Bled. Each year, the academy brings together young players from around the world and offers them an unforgettable experience.

“Slovenia is and always will be my home. Time stands still for me here,” Anže told us a few years ago. Away from the ice, he also enjoys playing on Slovenia’s outstanding golf courses in the company of family and friends.

Anže Kopitar’s story transcends the world of sport. It is proof that global sporting icons can emerge even from a small country. His legacy lies not only in numbers and trophies, but in the lasting mark he left on the game and in the way he lived his life beyond it.

Anže, thank you for everything, and all the best on your journey ahead.