Date of Birth: November 23, 1974
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
Saku Koivu is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey player who is considered one of the greatest players Finland has ever produced. Born in Turku, Finland, Koivu started his professional career with TPS in the Finnish SM-liiga before being drafted 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. Koivu’s NHL career spanned 18 seasons, during which he played 13 seasons with the Canadiens and 5 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. Koivu became the first European-born captain of the Montreal Canadiens in 1999, a position he held for a decade until 2009. He was known for his leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship, especially evident during his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the 2001-2002 season. Despite an uncertain prognosis, Koivu made a remarkable comeback, returning to the ice that same season and helping the Canadiens reach the playoffs. Internationally, Koivu represented Finland in numerous tournaments, including the Winter Olympics, where he won a silver medal in 2006 and a bronze medal in 1994 and 1998. He also won a gold medal at the World Championships in 1995. Koivu retired from professional hockey in 2014. His legacy includes not only his on-ice achievements but also his off-ice contributions, such as his involvement in various charitable activities and his work in cancer awareness and research.
5 Interesting Facts about Saku Koivu
1. Saku Koivu was the first European-born captain of the Montreal Canadiens.
2. He successfully battled and returned from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during his career.
3. Koivu won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2002 for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
4. He has represented Finland in four Winter Olympics, winning three medals.
5. Saku’s younger brother, Mikko Koivu, is also a professional ice hockey player who played most of his career with the Minnesota Wild.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Saku Koivu
1. “I never gave up. I kept believing that I could come back.”
2. “Hockey is more than a game. It’s a community.”
3. “The support from fans and the team kept me going through the toughest times.”
4. “Every game, every practice is a chance to prove yourself.”
5. “Leadership is about setting an example and inspiring others to be their best.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Saku Koivu is estimated to be around $40 million.
Children
Saku Koivu has two children with his wife Hanna Norio: a daughter named Ilona and a son named Aatos.
Relevant Links
1. [Saku Koivu’s NHL Profile](https://www.nhl.com/player/saku-koivu-8458529
2. [Saku Koivu’s Hockey Reference Page](https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/koivusa01.html
4. [Saku Koivu’s Legacy in Montreal](https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/koivu-legacy/c-909156
5. [Saku Koivu’s International Career](https://www.iihf.com/en/statistics/players/koivu-saku
