Stanislav "Stan" Neckar, born on December 22, 1975, in České Budějovice, Czechoslovakia, embarked on his professional hockey journey in the mid-1990s. As a defenseman, Neckar's career spanned several teams and leagues, showcasing his adaptability and skill on the ice.
Neckar began his professional career in the Czech Extraliga with HC České Budějovice, where he honed his defensive skills. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Ottawa Senators in the second round, 29th overall, of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. This marked the beginning of his North American hockey career.
Joining the Ottawa Senators, Neckar made his NHL debut in the 1994-1995 season. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable defenseman, known for his physical play and defensive capabilities. His tenure with the Senators lasted until 1998, during which he played a crucial role in the team's defensive lineup.
In 1998, Neckar was traded to the New York Rangers, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess. However, his time with the Rangers was short-lived, as he was soon traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. With the Coyotes, Neckar found stability and became a regular fixture on their blue line, contributing to the team's defensive efforts.
The year 2001 saw Neckar being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It was with the Lightning that he achieved the pinnacle of his career. During the 2003-2004 NHL season, Neckar was part of the Lightning team that won the Stanley Cup. Although he played a limited role during the playoffs, his contributions throughout the season were valued by the team.
After his stint with the Lightning, Neckar briefly joined the Nashville Predators but did not play any games for them. He returned to Europe, where he played for HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic before retiring from professional hockey.
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