Czech · Pardubice, Czechoslovakia · Born 29 January 1965Czech ice hockey goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, known for his acrobatic saves and unconventional style.
Dominik Hašek was born in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia in 1965. Chicago Blackhawks selected him 199th overall in the 1983 NHL Draft — one of the greatest draft value selections in history given his subsequent achievement. He won six Vezina Trophies as the NHL's best goaltender (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001) and two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player (1997, 1998) — the only goaltender to win Hart Trophies in consecutive years. He won two Stanley Cup championships (2002 with Detroit, 2008 with Detroit). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. His career goals-against average of 2.20 is the lowest in the NHL since expansion. His style — completely unorthodox, often abandoning conventional positioning to make saves with any part of his body — was described by opposing forwards as unpredictable in a way no other goaltender had ever been. He led the Czech Republic to Olympic gold in 1998 in Nagano. He is the greatest goaltender in Czech hockey history and arguably the most acrobatic player of any position.
He became the first goaltender since Jacques Plante in the 1960s to win consecutive Hart Memorial Trophies as NHL MVP in 1997 and 1998.
How They Played
Hašek was known for his unorthodox and acrobatic goaltending style, often making spectacular saves that defied conventional technique. His incredible flexibility and quick reflexes allowed him to make saves in positions that seemed impossible, earning him the nickname 'The Dominator.' He was particularly effective at reading plays and anticipating shots, compensating for his unconventional positioning with exceptional athletic ability.
Lasting Impact
Hašek revolutionized goaltending by proving that unconventional techniques could be highly effective at the highest level. His success paved the way for more athletic and flexible goaltending styles in modern hockey.
Career Honours
- Stanley Cup 2x (2002,2008)
- Vezina Trophy 6x
- Hart Trophy 2x
- Hall of Fame (2014)
- NHL 100 Greatest Players
| Team | Period | GP |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Blackhawks | 1990–1992 | 25 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 1992–2001 | 491 |
| Ottawa Senators | 2004–2006 | 59 |
| HC Pardubice | 1981–1990 | — |
| Indianapolis Ice | 1992–1993 | — |
| Detroit Red Wings | 2001–2002 | 65 |
 Czech Republic | — | 74 |
Czech Athletes