Radek Faksa
A Czech center whose defensive grit and clutch scoring made him a cornerstone of the Dallas Stars' identity for nearly a decade.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: January 9·Millennials
Biography
Born in Opava, Czech Republic, Radek Faksa's journey to the NHL was built on a foundation of two-way excellence. Drafted 13th overall by Dallas in 2012, his path wasn't a straight shot to stardom; it was honed in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kitchener Rangers, where he immediately showcased his scoring touch as a rookie. His transition to the NHL, however, solidified his reputation as a different kind of weapon. Faksa became the embodiment of a modern shutdown center, a player coaches could deploy against the league's top lines with unwavering trust. He carved out a vital, if often unsung, role in Dallas, combining a sharp hockey IQ with a physical edge to become a fan favorite and a playoff fixture. His tenure with the Stars was defined by consistency and quiet leadership, proving that impact isn't always measured on the score sheet but in the difficult minutes won.
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.
Radek was born in 1994, 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 Radek Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Radek's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Drafted 13th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
- Led all Ontario Hockey League rookies in scoring during his first season with the Kitchener Rangers.
- Played over 600 NHL games, all with the Dallas Stars, establishing himself as a core defensive forward.
- Recorded a career-high 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) during the 2017-18 NHL season.
Did You Know?
He represented the Czech Republic at multiple IIHF World Championships.
His father, Radomír Faksa, was also a professional hockey player in the Czech leagues.
He wears jersey number 12, which he also wore during his junior career in the OHL.
“My job is to make it hard for the other team, every shift, in both ends.”
