On March 28, 2006, in Glendale, Arizona, Thomas Focone, the 29-year-old goalie for the Nashville Predators, played against the Phoenix Coyotes at Glendale Arena. Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri–Immagn Images, Copyright Rick Scuteri.
Tomas Vokoun, a goaltender from the Czech Republic, has amassed over 300 wins throughout his 15 NHL seasons. He was a key player for the Predators from 1998 to 2007, joining the team after being traded from the Florida Panthers. Before the rise of Juuse Saros and Pekka Rinne, Vokoun was the cornerstone goaltender for Nashville after being selected in the 1998 NHL expansion draft.
Vokoun’s journey wasn’t easy. Originally picked by the Montreal Canadiens in the ninth round of the 1994 NHL Draft (226th overall), he moved to North America at 19 without knowing English, facing challenges adjusting both culturally and to the North American style of hockey.
He began his professional career with the ECHL’s Wheeling Thunderbirds in the 1995-96 season. Despite the hurdles, he posted a 20-10-2 record in the regular season and helped his team sweep Columbus in the opening playoff round. With support from teammates and coaches, Vokoun’s English improved, and he started to excel on the ice.
“It’s never easy leaving home at such a young age,” Vokoun told Hockey News in December 2024. “Everything was new, and those first months were tough, but my teammates were very supportive.”
His NHL debut with Montreal was challenging; during a relief appearance against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 6, 1997, he allowed four goals on 14 shots in a single period. Montreal left him exposed during the 1998 NHL Expansion Draft, after which he split time between the Predators and Milwaukee Admirals until 2000.
Vokoun set a franchise record with 161 wins for Nashville. In 2004, he recorded the first playoff shutout in Predators history in a Game 4 victory against the Detroit Red Wings, making 41 saves in the match despite the team losing the series. That season, he earned his first of two NHL All-Star Game appearances and led Nashville to their first-ever playoff berth with 34 wins.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Vokoun played 19 games in Finland. In the 2005-06 NHL season, he notched a career-high 36 wins before an injury shortened his season due to pelvic bleeding. After recovery, he played 44 games in 2006-07, despite a broken thumb, before being traded to the Florida Panthers in June.
Vokoun spent four seasons with Florida and then finished his NHL career playing for the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. He appeared in over 700 games across five teams during his career.
Now 49 years old, Vokoun lives near Boca Raton, Florida, where he dedicates his time to coaching young goaltenders. Reflecting on his career, he feels grateful for the opportunity to compete at the sport’s highest level.
“I played hockey to live my dreams and make a living,” Vokoun said. “If you don’t aim to play in the NHL, there’s little reason to play at all. It’s a privilege, and I’m thankful for it.”
Fan Take: Tomas Vokoun’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion in the face of adversity, inspiring hockey fans and young athletes alike. His legacy with the Predators helped pave the way for future franchise stars, highlighting how dedication can shape the sport’s future.
