Zbynek Michalek

Zbynek Michalek (born on December 23, 1982) is a Czech professional ice hockey player, currently a member of the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Zbynek has also played for the Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL. He is the older brother of Ottawa Senators winger Milan Michalek.

Playing Career
Zbynek played two seasons of junior ice hockey for Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL. He was not drafted in the NHL Entry Draft, but he began playing professional hockey in 2002 with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League, winning a Calder Cup championship with the Aeros in 2003.

Zybnek made his NHL debut during the 2003–04 season with the Minnesota Wild, the Aeros NHL affiliate. In 2005, Zybnek was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for Erik Westrum and Dustin Wood. He played five seasons for Phoenix, leading the league in blocked shots during the 2008–09 season.

Zbynek's excellent play continued into 2010 as he helped the Coyotes earn a playoff berth for the first time since 2002, however he was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2010. In anticipation, Zybnek was described as "The Defenseman Every Team Wants" by AOL Fanhouse due to his strong defensive skills, durability and shot-blocking.

On July 1, 2010, Zybnek signed a 5 year, $20 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. As of Draft Day 2012, he was traded back to the Phoenix Coyotes in exhange for Harrison Ruopp, goaltender Marc Cheverie and a 2012 third-round draft pick (81st overall).

International Play
Zybnek played on the 2010 Czech Republic Olympic Hockey Team along with his brother Milan. He was also selected to represent the Czech Republic at the 2011 IIHF World Championship where he won bronze alongside his brother.

Personal Life
Zbynek is married to Helena (born in 1979 in Bosnia and Herzegovina). They have two children: a son named Andreas (born on June 23, 2009) and a daughter named Ella (born on April 30, 2012). His younger brother Milan plays for the Ottawa Senators.