Jakub Kovář
A stalwart Czech goaltender who became a national team pillar and a dominant force in the KHL after a determined journey through North American hockey.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Czech ice hockey goaltender·Birthday: July 19·Millennials
Biography
Jakub Kovář's career is a story of steady excellence and European mastery. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006, his path to the NHL was a long apprenticeship spent honing his craft in the AHL and, decisively, back in the Czech Extraliga. It was in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) where he truly flourished, becoming one of the league's most consistent and decorated netminders. His technically sound, calm style backstopped HC Lev Praha to a stunning Gagarin Cup final appearance in 2014 and later made him a cornerstone for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. This club success cemented his role with the Czech national team, where he has been a trusted presence in multiple World Championships and the 2014 Olympics. While his NHL stint was brief, his legacy is that of a goalie who reached the apex of European professional hockey, representing the enduring quality and competitive spirit of Czech goaltending.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jakub was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jakub Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jakub's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the KHL's Best Goaltender award (named for his idol, Vladislav Tretiak) for the 2017-18 season.
- Backstopped HC Lev Praha to the Gagarin Cup Finals in 2014, a historic run for a non-Russian team.
- Has been a regular starter for the Czech national team in multiple IIHF World Championships.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Jan Kovář, is also a professional hockey player and they have been teammates on the Czech national team.
He wears jersey number 35 as a tribute to Czech goaltending great Dominik Hašek, who wore it early in his NHL career.
He played college hockey in the United States for the University of Nebraska-Omaha before turning professional.
“My job is simple: stop the puck, no matter where I am.”
