Guide Note

Sergei Gonchar is a professional hockey player from Russia. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League, serving as an alternate captain.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Sergei Viktorovich Gonchar
2. Born: April 13, 1974
3. Birthplace: Chelyabinsk, Russia
4. Position: Defense
5. Nickname: Sergie, Sergy, Sergee
6. 2005, signed $25 million five year deal with Pittsburgh

Prior to his NHL days, Gonchar played in the Russian Super League for the Traktor Chelyabinsk, then for the Moscow Dynamo. He was drafted 14th overall in the 1992 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals. After making his NHL debut with the Capitals in 1994, Gonchar split his first season between the Capitals and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Portland Pirates. Starting in 1995, Gonchar earned a full roster spot with the Capitals, playing 78 games that season. In 1998, Gonchar represented his native Russia in the Winter Olympics, taking home the silver medal.

In 2001, Gonchar was selected for his first of five NHL All-Star Game appearances. He played in his second Winter Olympics in 2002, earning a bronze medal with Team Russia. Gonchar continued with the Capitals until March 3, 2004, when he was traded to the Boston Bruins. He returned to the Russian Super League during the 2004-05 NHL Lockout. Shortly after he came back to the United States, Gonchar signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins on August 3, 2005.