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• Olaf Kolzig is a German professional hockey player, currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League.

  On March 4, 2009 in an attempt to dump salary the Tampa Bay Lightning traded goaltender the injured TSN.ca: Lightning's Kolzig Out 3-4 Months with Tendon Rupture Olaf Kolzig, defenceman Jamie Heward, prospect Andy Rogers and a 4th round draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for prospect Richard Petiot. TSN: Kolzig and Heward traded to the Leafs (March 4, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: April 6, 1970
  2. Position: Goaltender
  3. Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
  4. Represents Germany internationally
  5. Saves: Left
  6. Two time Olympian and two time NHL All-Star
  7. Nicknamed 'Olie the Goalie' and 'Godzilla'
  8. Founded the non-profit organization Athletes Against Autism

• Early Years

  Prior to playing in the NHL, Kolzig played in the Western Hockey League for the New Westminster Bruins and the Tri-City Americans. He was then drafted 19th overall in the 1989 NHL draft by the Washington Capitals. He made his NHL debut the next year, playing just two NHL games. He spent the next three years playing for a variety of minor league teams in the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League. In 1998, Kolzig represented Germany in the Winter Olympics, finishing in ninth place. That same year, Kolzig earned his first NHL All-Star Game selection and helped the Capitals reach the Stanley Cup Finals, where they fell to the Detroit Red Wings.

• Recent Years

  Continuing with the Capitals, Kolzig won the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the NHL in 2000. In 2006, he returned to the Olympics, as well as winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for outstanding leadership on and off the ice. Most recently, in May of 2008, Kolzig announced he did not wish to stay with the Capitals as they picked up fellow goaltender Cristobal Huet, forcing Kolzig to the bench. Kolzig signed as a free agent with the Lightning on July 1, 2008.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Washington Capitals | National Hockey League | Alexander Ovechkin | Alexander Semin | Donald Brashear | Bruce Boudreau

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