Martin Hanzal
The towering Czech centre was a defensive stalwart in the NHL for over a decade, known for his shutdown abilities and faceoff prowess.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: February 20·Millennials
Biography
Martin Hanzal's NHL career was built on a foundation of size, smart defensive play, and a knack for winning crucial faceoffs. Drafted in the first round by the Phoenix Coyotes, the 6'6" centre from the Czech Republic quickly became a fixture in their lineup, using his massive frame to dominate the middle of the ice. He was never a flashy point producer; instead, he carved out a vital role as a matchup centre who could neutralize the league's top offensive players. His reliability made him a valued asset, leading to a high-profile trade to the Minnesota Wild during their 2017 playoff push. Though back injuries ultimately cut his career shorter than many expected, Hanzal's decade of service exemplified the critical, often understated value of a premier defensive forward in the modern NHL.
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.
Martin 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 Martin 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
Martin'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
- Played 673 NHL games over 12 seasons, primarily with the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes.
- Was a first-round draft pick (17th overall) by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
- Represented the Czech Republic in multiple IIHF World Championships.
- Recorded a career-high 40 points in the 2010-11 season with the Coyotes.
Did You Know?
He wore jersey number 11 throughout his NHL career as a tribute to his childhood idol, former NHL player Jan Hrdina.
He won a bronze medal with the Czech Republic at the 2011 IIHF World Championship.
His final NHL season was with the Dallas Stars before a back injury forced his retirement.
He played his junior hockey in the Czech Republic for HC České Budějovice.
“My job was to win the draw and make it tough in our end every night.”
