Anže Kopitar
A two-way hockey genius from Slovenia who anchored the Los Angeles Kings to two Stanley Cup championships with his cerebral play.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Slovenian ice hockey player·Birthday: August 24·Millennials
Biography
Born in the small town of Jesenice in what was then Yugoslavia, Anže Kopitar grew up with hockey in his blood, the son of a national team coach. His talent was undeniable, and he bypassed North American junior hockey to play professionally in Sweden, setting the stage for his historic leap. In 2005, the Los Angeles Kings drafted him, and his arrival the following year marked the first time a Slovenian skater ever played in the NHL. Kopitar didn't just break the barrier; he shattered expectations. With a unique blend of size, silky hands, and defensive responsibility, he became the franchise's cornerstone. He led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup in 2012, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, and then captained them to a second title in 2014. More than a scorer, his 200-foot game made him a perennial Selke Trophy contender, and he quietly rewrote the Kings' record books, becoming their all-time leading scorer and a model of consistent, dignified excellence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Anže was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Anže Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Anže's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the Los Angeles Kings to their first two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014.
- Won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2012 NHL playoffs.
- Became the first Slovenian-born player to compete in the National Hockey League.
- Recorded his 1,000th career NHL point in 2021, solidifying his place as the Kings' all-time points leader.
- A two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward (2016, 2018).
Did You Know?
He is fluent in four languages: Slovenian, English, Swedish, and German.
His father, Matjaž Kopitar, was the head coach of the Slovenian national ice hockey team.
He and his wife established the Anže Kopitar Foundation, which supports children's health and wellness initiatives in Slovenia and Los Angeles.
He played for the Swedish club Sodertalje SK before being drafted into the NHL.
“I think the biggest thing is just to be humble and work hard. That's the Slovenian way.”
