Tomas Vokoun is a retired Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He began his professional career in the Czech Extraliga, where he played for HC Pardubice and HC Sparta Praha. In 1998, he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the ninth round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Vokoun made his NHL debut with the Canadiens in the 1998-1999 season, but he spent most of his time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Fredericton Canadiens. He was traded to the Nashville Predators in 1998, where he spent the next eight seasons of his career. During his time with the Predators, Vokoun established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the league, earning two All-Star Game selections and setting numerous franchise records.
In 2007, Vokoun was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he played for five seasons. He continued to be a reliable goaltender for the Panthers, but the team struggled to make the playoffs during his tenure. In 2012, Vokoun signed with the Washington Capitals as a free agent, where he served as the backup goaltender to Braden Holtby. He played in just 11 games for the Capitals before being sidelined by a groin injury.
After the 2012-2013 NHL lockout, Vokoun was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he served as the backup goaltender to Marc-Andre Fleury. He played in just 20 games for the Penguins before being diagnosed with a blood clot in his pelvis, which required surgery and ended his season. Vokoun announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2014.
Throughout his career, Vokoun was known for his consistency and durability. He played in over 700 NHL games, recording 300 wins and 51 shutouts. He was also a two-time Olympian for the Czech Republic, winning a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
Off the ice, Vokoun has been involved in various charitable endeavors. He established the Tomas Vokoun Foundation in 2003, which supports children's hospitals and other organizations that help children in need. He has also been involved in the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer initiative and has supported various animal welfare organizations.
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