Center Anze Kopitar continues to make the most news among LA Kings players during the NHL lockout.
He was the first player to sign a deal overseas, agreeing to a contract with Mora (where his younger brother Gasper was playing), and he was instrumental in recruiting Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan to join him.
Now, after receiving 79 more votes than any other male athlete, Kopitar has been named Slovenia’s Sportsman of the Year. Due his travel schedule with Mora, Kopitar was unable to attend the event. So, his father, Matjaz, accepted the award on his behalf (pictured above).
Upon hearing the news though, the 2012 Stanley Cup Champion thumbed out the following tweets:
Very humble filling of being named sportsman of the year! Couldn’t have done it without the circle of people who I trust and love very much!
— Anze Kopitar (@AnzeKopitar) December 20, 2012
And of course the fans that stand behind me and show support every game….
— Anze Kopitar (@AnzeKopitar) December 20, 2012
In yesterday’s game vs. Västerås, Mora won 3-2 on Ryan’s game winning goal. Although Kopitar was held pointless in the contest, he’s tied for fourth in league scoring and leads Mora with 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 27 games.
As for the award voting, Kopitar beat out Primož Kosmus, who received 182 votes after winning a sliver medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the hammer throw. Raymond Debevec, who earned a bronze at the Summer Olympics, came in third place again with 55 votes.
The Kopitar brothers and dad Matjaz can now spend some time together for the holidays, as Mora won’t play again until the 27th. And should the NHL season be cancelled, Anze would likely suit up for Team Slovenia in their next pre-Olympic tournament early next year.
Good for you Kopi
Thanks for finally talking more about Kopitar again. He’s my favortie King and we miss him in LA.