Tomáš Hertl
A charismatic Czech center whose infectious smile and clutch scoring made him a fan favorite and a resilient cornerstone for the San Jose Sharks.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: November 12·Millennials
Biography
Tomáš Hertl arrived in the NHL with a bang, a cheerful giant from Prague who immediately endeared himself to San Jose. His four-goal rookie game, capped by a between-the-legs finish he dubbed the 'Fenway Special,' announced a player of both skill and joyful flair. In the Bay Area, he evolved from a promising scorer into a complete, two-way center, his 6'3" frame used to protect pucks and dominate play. He became the emotional heart of the Sharks through transitional years, his 'Fun Must Be Always' mantra a guiding philosophy. His career was tested by significant knee injuries, but each time he returned with the same buoyant spirit and improved game. The trade that sent him to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2024 marked the end of an era in San Jose, but highlighted his value as a premier playoff performer. Hertl's legacy is one of consistent excellence wrapped in an unmistakable, grinning love for the game.
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.
Tomáš was born in 1993, 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 Tomáš Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Tomáš's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored four goals in his ninth NHL game, including a between-the-legs 'Fenway Special' goal.
- Recorded a career-high 74 points (36 goals, 38 assists) in the 2021-22 season with San Jose.
- Represented the Czech Republic in multiple IIHF World Championships.
- Played over 700 NHL games, almost all as a top-six center for the San Jose Sharks.
Did You Know?
His father, Jaroslav Hertl, was also a professional hockey player in the Czech Republic.
He is known for his catchphrase 'Fun must be always,' which he often says in interviews.
He missed the 2020 playoffs after undergoing knee surgery following an injury in the Stanley Cup Final the previous year.
He is an avid fan of the English soccer club Chelsea FC.
“Fun must be always.”
