Zbynek Michalek spent parts of 10 seasons in the desert, by far the bulk of his NHL career.
He was a steady hand on defense, never putting up many points but always willing to lay it on the line to keep pucks out of the net in his own end.
After spending two seasons in Pittsburgh, the Penguins traded Michalek back to Phoenix for the 2012-2013 season where he played in 34 games but tallied just 2 assists. He blocked 87 shots in those 34 games.
In 2013-2014, he played in 59 games scoring 2 goals and 8 assists and added a further 165 blocks. That's more or less three blocks per game.
Michalek's "running coyote" alternate was worn in both of those seasons. It doesn't have a huge amount of wear, but there is some visible.
The right sleeve has an inch or so long unrepaired cut/hole, and the left sleeve has some kind of residue or burn marks in the area below the elbow.
In a reverse of the typical game worn wear, the most visible (and photomatch-able) wear on this sweater is on the back.
The right shoulder has some nice burn marks and another large unrepaired hole. The wear here is very similar to what you see on some Shane Doan gamers. There is also a stick mark in the white piping down the right side. The name lettering has some loose threads.
Along with being one of my favorite, or possibly my favorite Coyotes jersey styles, I added this one because Z fits my Arizona born and trained collection.
Yes, he is a Czech. No, he never played minor hockey in Arizona. So how does he fit?
Michalek coaches minor hockey for the Jr. Coyotes here in the desert. He's helping the next generation reach their dreams to become college and professional hockey players. I've heard nothing but great things about his coaching since he started out a couple of years back.
Add that up with his decade of service to the Yotes, and you have a game worn jersey I'm proud to add to the collection.