
Player Profile: Anze Kopitar
Published on September 1, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release
The Los Angeles Kings' first round draft pick, 11th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft is officially moving to North America. Center Anze Kopitar has impressed the Kings' organization with his size and skill. At 6-foot-4, 220-pounds, Kopitar will give Los Angeles the offensive size that they have lacked over the past several seasons. Out of the 30 forwards that the Kings have signed for the 2006-07 season, only 12 of them are taller than six feet.
The native of Jesenice, Slovenia, has played the last two seasons in the Swedish Elitserien for Sodertalje SK. During the 2004-05 season, Kopitar led his team with 49 points (28-21=49) in 30 games. After signing a three-year contract with the Kings on September 6, 2005, he returned to Sodertalje SK and collected 20 points (8-12=20) in 47 games.
Representing his native Slovenia, Kopitar participated in the World Junior Championships-Under 18 in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the World Junior Championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006; and the World Championships in 2006. At the age of 17, Kopitar collected the most goals and the most points for Team Slovenia in the 2005 World Junior Championships. In five games, he collected 10 goals and 13 points.
Kopitar, 19, is slated to participate in the Kings Pacific Division Shootout with the Anaheim Ducks, the San Jose Sharks and the Phoenix Coyotes September 8-12, 2006. Los Angeles starts their Training Camp on September 14, where Kopitar will battle it out with fellow rookies and seasoned veterans to earn a spot on the Kings' roster and become the first Slovenian-born NHL player.
American Hockey League Stories from September 1, 2006
- Kings Ink Moulson - Manchester Monarchs
- Stars sign player loan agreement - Iowa Chops
- Griffins Strike Deal with Oilers - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Bulldogs sign player loan agreement with Oilers - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Phantoms announce exhibition addition - Adirondack Phantoms
- Bears, Phantoms to meet September 25 in New Jersey - Hershey Bears
- Player Profile: Anze Kopitar - Manchester Monarchs
- Wolf Pack Sign Four to AHL Contracts - Connecticut Whale
- Sens announce preseason schedule - Binghamton Senators
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