Mika Zibanejad was chosen by the Ottawa Senators as the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. He later found himself traded to the New York Rangers on July 18, 2016, and currently serves as centre and alternate captain for the New York Rangers.
Signing with the Senators on July 13, 2011, Zibanejad made an impact in his NHL debut on Oct. 7, 2011, securing an assist and becoming the youngest player in franchise history and the youngest Swede (18 years, 172 days) to grace an NHL game. After playing nine games, he returned to Djurgardens for the remainder of the season but not before making a mark in the 2012 World Junior Championship, scoring the overtime goal that clinched Sweden's first title at the World Juniors in 31 years.
On October 10, 2021, Zibanejad signed an eight-year contract extension with the Rangers, solidifying his commitment to the team. Alongside this announcement, he was named an alternate captain for the Rangers. Zibanejad continued to shine, registering three assists, including his 500th NHL point, in a dominant 5-1 Rangers win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on March 25, 2022. Internationally, Zibanejad has proudly represented Sweden, contributing to the junior team's victory in the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the senior team's success in the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
Mika Zibanejad’s Parents
Mika Zibanejad's parents are Mehrdad and Ritva Zibanejad. Mehrdad is from Iran and Ritva is from Finland. Mehrdad and Ritva have been married for over 30 years. He has a maternal half-brother, Monir Kalgoum, who is also an ice hockey player.
At the age of 23, Mehrdad left Iran due to the challenges posed by the revolution. He traveled the world in search of a safe place to continue his education and eventually settled in Sweden, where he studied to become an IT engineer. In Sweden, Mehrdad met his wife, Ritva, who is a native of Finland. They raised their son, Mika Zibanejad, who went on to become a professional ice hockey player.
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Mika Zibanejad Father
Mika Zibanejad's father is Mehrdad Zibanejad. Mehrdad is a 50-year-old IT engineer with the Swedish government and father to two Swedish hockey players. Mehrdad left Iran in 1983 due to religious persecution following two years of mandatory military service in the Iran-Iraq War. As a Christian in a country with limited religious freedom, Mehrdad protested against the lack of choices imposed by the authorities.
Mehrdad Zibanejad grew up in Iran and was actively involved in sports, particularly volleyball and soccer. He competed at the national level for both Iran and Sweden's volleyball teams. Despite his background in sports, Mehrdad did not have any knowledge of hockey. While Mehrdad was a star tennis and volleyball player in his youth, Mika developed a passion for ice hockey in Sweden, ultimately getting drafted into the NHL.
Mehrdad moved to the United States when Mika was drafted into the NHL by the Ottawa Senators in 2011. His move was motivated by the desire to be close to and support his son's burgeoning hockey career. In a heartwarming display of family pride and support, Mehrdad Zibanejad, the father of New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad, took center stage on November 11, 2022. In a special pre-game ceremony, Mehrdad had the honor of reading the lineup before the Rangers faced off against the Detroit Red Wings.
Mika Zibanejad Mother
Mika Zibanejad's mother is Ritva Zibanejad. She is from Paltamo, Finland. There is not much information about Ritva Zibanejad.
Mika Zibanejad’s Parents Nationality
Mika Zibanejad's father, Mehrdad, comes from Iran and his mother, Ritva, is from Finland. Mika Zibanejab was born and raised in Sweden. They all hold Swedish nationalities.
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FAQ's On Mika Zibanejad Parents
A. Mika Zibanejad had 39 goals in the 2022-23 NHL season. His total career tally comes down to 268 goals (as of 2022-23 season).
A. Mika Zibanejad speaks Swedish, English, Finnish, and Persian. He grew up speaking Swedish and English at home, and he learned Persian from his father.
A. Mika Zibanejad plays center for the New York Rangers.
A. Mika Zibanejad is from Sweden. He was born and raised in Huddinge, Sweden.
A. Mika Zibanejad has played for the New York Rangers since the 2016-17 season. He was traded to the Rangers by the Ottawa Senators on July 18, 2016.