Striker Richard Pánik will wear the jersey with the dragon on his chest again after 14 years. The 32-year-old Slovak representative with extensive experience in the overseas NHL after a season in HC Lausanne agreed with the Steelers to cooperate for the next season.
For exactly 14 years, forward Richard Pánik has been gathering experience in the world, in the summer of 2023 he is returning to the places where he was raised for the great world hockey. “Richard Pánik is a top hockey player, we have been striving for his return to Třinec for a long time. I’m very happy that it worked out now and he will be fighting for the Steelers again!” said Jan Peterek, the club’s sports director, about the arrival of the big summer reinforcements.
Pánik spent 13 seasons in overseas competitions, played a total of 10 seasons in the NHL, playing in 521 games with a balance of 88 goals and 107 assists. A participant in five world championships, he also represented Slovakia at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. “We are getting a big offensive boost with huge international experience. He is a hockey player seasoned from many tough battles, he is decorated with great hockey thinking and creativity, he has a wide range of finishes,” Steelers coach Zdeněk Moták described the reinforcement.
After a year spent at the Swiss HC Lausanne, Richard Pánik nodded at the Steelers’ offer.
“I have great memories of Třinec, I return to places I know well. I am looking forward to the new WERK ARENA and the boys, some of whom I know very well from the national team. I would like to contribute to the further success of the team. I know that Třinec has a strong and competitive team, and I look forward to working together! I will do everything in my power to contribute to the team’s goals and help the team,” said Pánik.
Statistics of Richard Panik:
2x Calder Trophy winner (AHL)
6 seasons in the AHL, 255 games (82+88)
10 seasons in the NHL, 541 games (89+111)
5 participation in the WC in the SVK jersey, 34 matches (4+12)
Participation in the 2014 Olympic Games
