Tomáš Hyka
A swift Czech winger whose offensive skill earned him a shot in the NHL, showcasing his talents on the inaugural Vegas Golden Knights squad.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: March 23·Millennials
Biography
Tomáš Hyka's hockey career has been a transatlantic journey defined by speed and skill. After developing in the Czech system, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings but chose to hone his game in North America, playing major junior hockey in the QMJHL. His professional path initially led him back to Europe, where he became a consistent offensive threat in the Czech and Swedish leagues. His breakthrough to the NHL was a story of perfect timing. Selected by the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, Hyka's agility and playmaking fit the team's fast-paced identity. He made his NHL debut in Vegas's historic inaugural season, contributing to a team that defied all odds by reaching the Stanley Cup Final. While his North American stint was brief, Hyka returned to the Czech Extraliga as a seasoned veteran, where his experience and offensive instincts continue to make him a primary contributor for HC Sparta Praha.
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
- Played 22 games in the NHL for the Vegas Golden Knights during their inaugural 2017-18 season that ended in a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
- Won a Swedish Hockey League (SHL) championship with the Frölunda HC in 2016.
- Represented the Czech Republic at multiple IIHF World Championships.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 6th round (171st overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
He played for the Gatineau Olympiques in the QMJHL, winning the league's Michel Brière Trophy as MVP in 2012.
His brother, David Hyka, is also a professional hockey player in the Czech Republic.
“My game is built on speed and creating chances for my teammates.”
