Anton Šťastný (born August 15, 1959) is a Slovak former professional ice hockey left wing who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Quebec Nordiques. He is the youngest of the famous Šťastný brothers, who made a significant impact on North American hockey in the 1980s after defecting from Czechoslovakia.
Early Life and Career
Anton Šťastný was born in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia). He grew up playing ice hockey alongside his older brothers, Peter and Marian. The three brothers formed a highly successful offensive line for Slovan Bratislava in the Czechoslovak First Ice Hockey League. Anton established himself as a skilled forward known for his playmaking abilities and goal-scoring touch. He also played briefly for Dukla Jihlava.
Defection and NHL Career
In 1980, Anton, along with his brother Peter, made the momentous decision to defect from communist Czechoslovakia to play in the NHL. They were subsequently joined by their eldest brother Marian. The Quebec Nordiques, a former World Hockey Association (WHA) franchise that had joined the NHL, signed Anton and Peter.
Anton made his NHL debut with the Nordiques in the 1980–81 season, playing alongside Peter. His arrival, along with his brothers, was a watershed moment, as they were among the first players from behind the Iron Curtain to successfully transition to the NHL, paving the way for future European stars.
Throughout his eight seasons with the Nordiques (1980–1989), Anton was a consistent offensive contributor. His career highs included 32 goals and 79 points in the 1983–84 season. He was a key member of the Nordiques team that frequently battled their provincial rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, in intense playoff series during the 1980s. Over 650 NHL regular season games, Anton recorded 252 goals and 384 assists for 636 points. He also played in 74 playoff games, adding 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points.
International Play
Prior to his defection, Anton Šťastný represented Czechoslovakia in international competition. He participated in two IIHF World Championships, winning a silver medal in 1979. He also competed in the 1979 Canada Cup. After his defection, he was no longer eligible to represent Czechoslovakia.
Post-NHL Career
After his NHL career concluded in 1989, Anton Šťastný moved to Switzerland, where he played for HC Fribourg-Gottéron in the National League A for two seasons before retiring from professional hockey.
Legacy
Anton Šťastný is remembered as an integral part of the pioneering group of European players who broke into the NHL from Eastern Bloc countries. Alongside his brothers, he demonstrated the high level of skill and talent present in European hockey, contributing to the globalization of the game. The Šťastný brothers' story of defection and subsequent NHL success remains one of hockey's most compelling narratives.
Awards and Achievements
- IIHF World Championship Silver Medal: 1979
- Member of the Quebec Nordiques Hall of Fame (unofficial, due to the team's relocation)