Marian Gaborik

[edit] Biography

Marián Gáborík born February 14, 1982 in Trenčín, Czechoslovakia) is a Slovak professional ice hockey player. He plays right wing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.

[edit] Playing career

Gaborik was drafted by the Wild in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, First Round, Third Overall after Rick DiPietro and Dany Heatley. He showed promise during his rookie season, collecting 18 goals for the expansion Wild. Gaborik took the next step forward in the 2001-2002 season as he notched his first 30 goal season and had a career high 67 points. Marián again would score 30 goals the following year, but more importantly helped lead the Wild to its first ever playoff experience, capping off the season with a trip to the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, injuries and contract issues have riddled the last two seasons for Gaborik. In the 03-04 season, Marian Gaborik was limited to only 65 games due to contract disputes. During the 2005-2006 season a groin injury limited him again to only 65 games. However, Gaborik still managed to score 38 goals in 2005-2006 and produced his 8th career hat trick, and has turned the trick against a team from all six divisions. Marián is an immense talent, widely regarded as one of the most explosive and electrifying players in hockey and also exemplified by his selection to the Slovakian Olympic team and his offensive production on a defensive minded team. Yet, he still receives criticism for his inconsistency and inability to remain in the lineup and his commitment to the team is questionable. Gaborik recently signed 3-year 19 million dollar contract extension with the Wild.

Gaborik has never played a full 82-game NHL season as he has suffered recurring groin injuries. On October 20th, 2006, Marian suffered a groin strain against the Anaheim Ducks, he isn't expected back until mid-December at the earliest. He returned to the lineup January 6th, 2007 against the Colorado Avalanche, two and a half month after the injury, and after missing 34 games, which means he is only eligible to play 48 at max. I took Gaborik a few games to get back on his feet, after 2 games back, he scored 2 goals against both Vancouver and Edmonton and scored a goal against Chicago giving 5 goals in his first 5 games back after injury.

On a personal note, "Gaborik is single and makes his offseason home in Trencin, Slovakia. His nickname is “Gabby”...Opened an arena, MG Arena, in hometown of Trencin in an effort to provide more ice time for kids...Lists motorsports and golf as his hobbies...Is a big Formula 1 Racing fan and lists driver Michael Schumacher as one person he'd most like to meet...Began playing hockey at age three and names his parents and brother as the most influential people in his hockey career...Favorite NHL player growing up was Peter Bondra and favorite NHL team was the Montreal Canadiens ...Favorite movie is Wedding Crashers, favorite actor is Nicholas Cage and favorite actress is Charlize Theron...Names Marcel Hossa, younger brother of Atlanta's Marian Hossa, and Pavol Demitra as his best friends in hockey...Favorite foods are steak and sushi...Favorite vacation spot is his home in Slovakia... Favorite road city is Vancouver and favorite team to play is Los Angeles...Favorite band is U2...Lists “Sex and the City” as his favorite television show...Calls Zdeno Chara the toughest player to play...Favorite NHL uniform is the Wild sweater...Would like to stay in hockey after his playing career is over...Brother Brano Gaborik is a scout for the Wild."

[edit] Awards

• NHL Player of the Week for October 21-27, 2002
• Played in the 2003 NHL All-Star game

[edit] Records

• Scored first goal in history of the Minnesota Wild franchise on October 6, 2000
• First player to record a hat-trick in the history of the club on November 13, 2001
• Won the fastest skater competition at the 2003 All-Star Game, lapping the rink in 13.713 seconds

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] International play

• Bronze medal on 1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
• Played for Team Slovakia in the 2001 Ice Hockey World Championships
• Played for Team Slovakia in the 2004 Ice Hockey World Championships
• Played for Team Slovakia in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey
• Played for Team Slovakia in the 2005 Ice Hockey World Championships
• Played for Team Slovakia in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino.
• Team Slovakia - 47 caps / 15 goals

[edit] Statistics

[edit] References

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