Josef Vasicek
Encyclopedia
Josef Vašíček was a Czech
professional ice hockey
player. Vasicek last played for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
of the Kontinental Hockey League
(KHL) and died when the team's aircraft charter crashed on September 7, 2011. Vasicek played seven seasons in the National Hockey League
for the Carolina Hurricanes
, Nashville Predators
and New York Islanders
before moving to Russia in 2008 to play for Yaroslavl.
in the fourth round, 91st overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft
.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout
, Vasicek played with HC Slavia Praha, scoring 20 goals and 43 points in 52 games to lead the club in scoring. In seven playoff games, Vasicek had a goal and seven points.
, Vasicek made the move to North America, and joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
of the OHL
. in the 1998-99 season, Vasicek scored 21 goals and 56 points in 66 games, helping the team to the playoffs. In five post-season games, Vasicek had three goals.
He returned to the Greyhounds for the 1999-2000 season, as Vasicek improved his offensive numbers to 26 goals and 72 points in 54 games to finished second in team scoring. In the playoffs, Vasicek had five goals and a team high 20 points in 17 games. Vasicek was named to the third all-star team after the season.
, and spent the entire 2000-01
season with the NHL
team. Vasicek played in his first NHL game on October 7, 2000, getting no points in a 3-3 tie against the Washington Capitals
. He scored his first NHL goal on October 13, 2000, beating Trevor Kidd
of the Florida Panthers
in a 2-2 tie. Vasicek finished his rookie season with eight goals and 21 points in 76 games. He played in his first ever playoff game on April 12, 2001, scoring a goal against Martin Brodeur
of the New Jersey Devils
in a 5-1 loss. In six playoff games, Vasicek had two goals.
Vasicek improved offensively in 2001-02
, as in 78 games, he scored 14 goals and 31 points to finished seventh in Hurricanes scoring. In the playoffs, Vasicek had three goals and five points in 23 games, helping the Hurricanes to the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals
, where they lost in five games to the Detroit Red Wings
.
Vasicek had an injury plagued 2002-03
season, as he missed 25 games due to injuries. In 57 games played, he had 10 goals and 20 points, as Carolina failed to make the playoffs. On January 22, 2003, Vasicek had his first multi-goal game in the NHL, scoring twice against Olaf Kolzig
of the Washington Capitals
in a 5-3 loss.
He had his best NHL season with the Hurricanes in 2003-04
, as Vasicek appeared in all 82 games, scoring 19 goals and 45 points to lead the team in scoring. Vasicek recored his first NHL hat trick
on October 28, 2003, scoring three goals against Vesa Toskala
of the San Jose Sharks
in a 3-0 victory. The Hurricanes struggled, and missed the playoffs for the second straight season.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout
, Vasicek returned to HC Slavia Praha, where he scored 20 goals and 43 points in 52 games to lead that team in scoring. In seven playoff games, Vasicek had a goal and seven points.
When the NHL resumed play in 2005-06
, Vasicek returned to the Hurricanes. In a game on November 11, 2005 against the Florida Panthers
, Vasicek suffered a major knee injury, and remained out of the Carolina lineup until April 3, 2006. In his first game back, Vasicek had two goals and four points in a 6-5 win over the Washington Capitals
. Overall, Vasicek appeared in 23 games, scoring four goals and nine points. In eight playoff games, Vasicek had no points, however, the Hurricanes won the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals
over the Edmonton Oilers
. On July 18, 2006, the Hurricanes traded Vasicek to the Nashville Predators
for Scott Walker
.
season with the Nashville Predators
. He made his Predators debut on October 5, 2006, scoring a goal against Nikolai Khabibulin
of the Chicago Blackhawks
in an 8-6 loss. Vasicek struggled with the Predators, as in 38 games, he had four goals and 13 points. On February 9, 2007, the Predators traded Vasicek back to the Carolina Hurricanes
for Eric Belanger
.
with the Carolina Hurricanes
. In his first game back with his original NHL club on February 10, 2007, Vasicek was held pointless in a 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Wild
. He recorded his first point on February 13, 2007, recording an assist in a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings
, and scored his first goal with Carolina on February 27, 2007 in a 4-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators
. Vasicek had a three point game with the Hurricanes on March 17, 2007, scoring a goal and two assists in a 7-2 win over the New Jersey Devils
. He finished the season with two goals and nine points in 25 games with Carolina. After the season, Vasicek became an unrestricted free agent.
. He made his Islanders debut on October 5, 2007, scoring a goal against Ryan Miller
of the Buffalo Sabres
in a 6-4 win. Vasicek had his most productive NHL season since 2003-04, as he scored 16 goals and 35 points in 81 games. After the season, Vasicek became an unrestricted free agent.
of the newly formed KHL
for the 2008-09 season. In 56 games, Vasicek had 12 goals and 32 points, helping the team to the playoffs. In 19 playoff games, Vasicek had five goals and 15 points.
He returned to Yaroslavl for the 2009-10 season, as Vasicek improved his offensive numbers to 21 goals and 48 points to lead the team in scoring. In 17 playoff games, Vasicek had six goals and 13 points.
In 2010-11, Vasicek once again improved offensively, scoring 24 goals and 55 points in 54 games, finishing second in team scoring and seventh in league scoring. In 18 playoff games, Vasicek had a league high 22 points, scoring seven goals and adding 15 assists, however, Yaroslavl lost in the Western Conference finals.
Vasicek returned to the club for the 2011-12, however, he was killed in a plane crash
with his teammates on September 7, 2011.
held in Sweden
, scoring a goal and four points in seven games as the Czech Republic won the Gold Medal
. Vasicek then appeared in the 2003 IIHF World Championship
held in Finland
, scoring two assists in nine games as the Czech's finished in fourth place. He played in one game at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey
, getting no points, as his team won the Bronze Medal
. At the 2005 IIHF World Championship
played in Austria
, Vasicek had a goal and two points, helping the Czech Republic to a Gold Medal
. His next international appearance was at the 2009 IIHF World Championship
held in Switzerland
, as Vasicek had a goal and three points in six games, as the Czech Republic finished in sixth place. In the 2010 Winter Olympics
held in Vancouver
, Canada
, Vasicek had no points in five games, as the Czech Republic finished in seventh place.
left wing Thomas Vanek
; Vanek's brother is married to Vašíček's sister.
just outside Yaroslavl, Russia. The team was traveling to Minsk
to play their opening game of the season, with its coaching staff and prospects. Lokomotiv officials said "'everyone from the main roster was on the plane plus four players from the youth team.'"
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
player. Vasicek last played for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Hockey Club Lokomotiv , also known as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, is a Russian professional ice hockey team based in Yaroslavl. The name of the team is derived from its owner, Russian Railways, the national railroad operator....
of the Kontinental Hockey League
Kontinental Hockey League
The Kontinental Hockey League is an international professional ice hockey league in Eurasia founded in 2008. As of 2009, it is ranked as the strongest hockey league in Europe....
(KHL) and died when the team's aircraft charter crashed on September 7, 2011. Vasicek played seven seasons in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
for the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
, Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
and New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
before moving to Russia in 2008 to play for Yaroslavl.
HC Slavia Praha
Vasicek played with HC Slavia Praha under 17 team in 1996-97, recording 20 goals and 60 points in 37 games. In 1997-98, Vasicek moved up to the Praha's junior team, where he had 13 goals and 33 points in 34 games. He was drafted by the Carolina HurricanesCarolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
in the fourth round, 91st overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft
1998 NHL Entry Draft
The 1998 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 27 at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. A total of 258 players were drafted.- Selections by round :Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.- Round one :- Round two :...
.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout
2004-05 NHL lockout
The 2004–05 NHL lockout was a lockout that resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of play of the National Hockey League . It was the first time the Stanley Cup was not awarded since 1919, and the first time a major professional sports league in North America canceled a...
, Vasicek played with HC Slavia Praha, scoring 20 goals and 43 points in 52 games to lead the club in scoring. In seven playoff games, Vasicek had a goal and seven points.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
After being drafted by the Carolina HurricanesCarolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
, Vasicek made the move to North America, and joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the Essar Centre. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey...
of the OHL
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
. in the 1998-99 season, Vasicek scored 21 goals and 56 points in 66 games, helping the team to the playoffs. In five post-season games, Vasicek had three goals.
He returned to the Greyhounds for the 1999-2000 season, as Vasicek improved his offensive numbers to 26 goals and 72 points in 54 games to finished second in team scoring. In the playoffs, Vasicek had five goals and a team high 20 points in 17 games. Vasicek was named to the third all-star team after the season.
Carolina Hurricanes
After having a solid training camp, Vasicek made the Carolina HurricanesCarolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
, and spent the entire 2000-01
2000-01 NHL season
The 2000–01 NHL season was the 84th regular season of the National Hockey League. Thirty teams each played 82 games. The Stanley Cup winners were the Colorado Avalanche, who won the best of seven series 4–3 against the New Jersey Devils...
season with the NHL
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
team. Vasicek played in his first NHL game on October 7, 2000, getting no points in a 3-3 tie against the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
. He scored his first NHL goal on October 13, 2000, beating Trevor Kidd
Trevor Kidd
Trevor Kidd is a former NHL goaltender who last played for the Hannover Scorpions in Germany. Throughout his 12-year National Hockey League career, Kidd played for the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs...
of the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
in a 2-2 tie. Vasicek finished his rookie season with eight goals and 21 points in 76 games. He played in his first ever playoff game on April 12, 2001, scoring a goal against Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur
Martin Pierre Brodeur is a French-Canadian ice hockey goaltender who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the New Jersey Devils. In his 19-year tenure with the Devils, he has won three Stanley Cup championships and has been in the playoffs every year but two...
of the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
in a 5-1 loss. In six playoff games, Vasicek had two goals.
Vasicek improved offensively in 2001-02
2001-02 NHL season
The 2001–02 NHL season was the 85th regular season of the National Hockey League. Thirty teams each played 82 games. The Stanley Cup winners were the Detroit Red Wings, who won the best of seven series 4–1 against the Carolina Hurricanes.-League business:...
, as in 78 games, he scored 14 goals and 31 points to finished seventh in Hurricanes scoring. In the playoffs, Vasicek had three goals and five points in 23 games, helping the Hurricanes to the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals
2002 Stanley Cup Finals
The 2002 Stanley Cup Finals was contested by the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings and the Eastern Conference champion Carolina Hurricanes, making their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Detroit defeated Carolina in five games to win their tenth Stanley Cup championship...
, where they lost in five games to the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
.
Vasicek had an injury plagued 2002-03
2002-03 NHL season
The 2002–03 NHL season was the 86th regular season of the National Hockey League. The Stanley Cup winners were the New Jersey Devils, who won the best of seven series 4–3 against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. This was the last season before the NHL switched home and away jerseys.-Regular season:As...
season, as he missed 25 games due to injuries. In 57 games played, he had 10 goals and 20 points, as Carolina failed to make the playoffs. On January 22, 2003, Vasicek had his first multi-goal game in the NHL, scoring twice against Olaf Kolzig
Olaf Kölzig
Olaf Kölzig is a retired German professional ice hockey goaltender and associate goalie coach for the Washington Capitals. With the exception of 8 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he played his entire 14 year career with the Capitals...
of the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
in a 5-3 loss.
He had his best NHL season with the Hurricanes in 2003-04
2003-04 NHL season
The 2003–04 NHL season was the 87th regular season of the National Hockey League. The thirty teams played 82 games in a revamped format that increased divisional games from 5 to 6 per team , conference games from 3 to 4 , and decreased inter-conference games to at least one per team, with three...
, as Vasicek appeared in all 82 games, scoring 19 goals and 45 points to lead the team in scoring. Vasicek recored his first NHL hat trick
Hat Trick
Hat trick, hat-trick or hattrick may refer to:* hat-trick — in various sports, achieving three goals, wickets, etc. in a single match* Hattrick — online football management game** Hattrick Limited — producers of this game...
on October 28, 2003, scoring three goals against Vesa Toskala
Vesa Toskala
Vesa Tapani Toskala is a professional ice hockey goaltender, currently playing for Ilves.-Early career:Toskala was selected by San Jose in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft . The Sharks also took fellow Finn Miikka Kiprusoff in the fifth round...
of the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in a 3-0 victory. The Hurricanes struggled, and missed the playoffs for the second straight season.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout
2004-05 NHL lockout
The 2004–05 NHL lockout was a lockout that resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of play of the National Hockey League . It was the first time the Stanley Cup was not awarded since 1919, and the first time a major professional sports league in North America canceled a...
, Vasicek returned to HC Slavia Praha, where he scored 20 goals and 43 points in 52 games to lead that team in scoring. In seven playoff games, Vasicek had a goal and seven points.
When the NHL resumed play in 2005-06
2005-06 NHL season
The 2005–06 NHL season was the 89th season of operation of the National Hockey League . This was the season after the 2004–05 season which had all of its scheduled games canceled due to a labor dispute with the NHL Players Association over the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league...
, Vasicek returned to the Hurricanes. In a game on November 11, 2005 against the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
, Vasicek suffered a major knee injury, and remained out of the Carolina lineup until April 3, 2006. In his first game back, Vasicek had two goals and four points in a 6-5 win over the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
. Overall, Vasicek appeared in 23 games, scoring four goals and nine points. In eight playoff games, Vasicek had no points, however, the Hurricanes won the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals
2006 Stanley Cup Finals
The 2006 Stanley Cup Final was a best-of-seven playoff series that determined the National Hockey League champion for the 2005–06 season. As a culmination of the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Eastern Conference champion Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers...
over the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
. On July 18, 2006, the Hurricanes traded Vasicek to the Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
for Scott Walker
Scott Walker
Scott Walker may refer to:*Scott Walker , Governor of Wisconsin, and former county executive of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin*Scott Walker , boxer...
.
Nashville Predators
Vasicek began the 2006-072006-07 NHL season
In each round, the highest remaining seed in each conference is matched against the lowest remaining seed. The higher-seeded team is awarded home ice advantage, which gives them a maximum possible four games on their home ice, with the other team getting a maximum possible three...
season with the Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
. He made his Predators debut on October 5, 2006, scoring a goal against Nikolai Khabibulin
Nikolai Khabibulin
Nikolai Ivanovich Khabibulin is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League...
of the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
in an 8-6 loss. Vasicek struggled with the Predators, as in 38 games, he had four goals and 13 points. On February 9, 2007, the Predators traded Vasicek back to the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
for Eric Belanger
Eric Belanger
Éric Bélanger is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who is currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
.
Carolina Hurricanes
Vasicek finished the 2006-072006-07 NHL season
In each round, the highest remaining seed in each conference is matched against the lowest remaining seed. The higher-seeded team is awarded home ice advantage, which gives them a maximum possible four games on their home ice, with the other team getting a maximum possible three...
with the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
. In his first game back with his original NHL club on February 10, 2007, Vasicek was held pointless in a 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
. He recorded his first point on February 13, 2007, recording an assist in a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
, and scored his first goal with Carolina on February 27, 2007 in a 4-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. Vasicek had a three point game with the Hurricanes on March 17, 2007, scoring a goal and two assists in a 7-2 win over the New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. He finished the season with two goals and nine points in 25 games with Carolina. After the season, Vasicek became an unrestricted free agent.
New York Islanders
On August 15, 2007, Vasicek signed a 1-year, $750,000 contract with the New York IslandersNew York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. He made his Islanders debut on October 5, 2007, scoring a goal against Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller is a professional ice hockey goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres.Other people named Ryan Miller:*Ryan Miller , video game designer and author*Ryan Miller , lead singer and guitar player for the band Guster...
of the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
in a 6-4 win. Vasicek had his most productive NHL season since 2003-04, as he scored 16 goals and 35 points in 81 games. After the season, Vasicek became an unrestricted free agent.
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Vasicek joined Lokomotiv YaroslavlLokomotiv Yaroslavl
Hockey Club Lokomotiv , also known as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, is a Russian professional ice hockey team based in Yaroslavl. The name of the team is derived from its owner, Russian Railways, the national railroad operator....
of the newly formed KHL
Kontinental Hockey League
The Kontinental Hockey League is an international professional ice hockey league in Eurasia founded in 2008. As of 2009, it is ranked as the strongest hockey league in Europe....
for the 2008-09 season. In 56 games, Vasicek had 12 goals and 32 points, helping the team to the playoffs. In 19 playoff games, Vasicek had five goals and 15 points.
He returned to Yaroslavl for the 2009-10 season, as Vasicek improved his offensive numbers to 21 goals and 48 points to lead the team in scoring. In 17 playoff games, Vasicek had six goals and 13 points.
In 2010-11, Vasicek once again improved offensively, scoring 24 goals and 55 points in 54 games, finishing second in team scoring and seventh in league scoring. In 18 playoff games, Vasicek had a league high 22 points, scoring seven goals and adding 15 assists, however, Yaroslavl lost in the Western Conference finals.
Vasicek returned to the club for the 2011-12, however, he was killed in a plane crash
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash
The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash occurred at 16:05 MT on Wednesday, 7 September 2011, when a Yak-Service Yakovlev Yak-42, carrying the players and coaching staff of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl professional ice hockey team, crashed near the Russian city of Yaroslavl...
with his teammates on September 7, 2011.
International career
Vasicek played in international hockey tournaments with the Czech Republic. He played in the 2000 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships2000 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
-Group B:All times local .-Relegation round:-10-minute tie break game: was relegated to Division I for the 2001 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.-Final round:‡ Shootout victory.All times local ....
held in Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, scoring a goal and four points in seven games as the Czech Republic won the Gold Medal
Gold Medal
Gold Medal is the sixth studio album by the American hard rock band The Donnas, released in 2004 on Atlantic Records. It was one of the first albums released in the DualDisc format, but was recalled due to a mastering error which resulted in the final track being partially omitted from the CD...
. Vasicek then appeared in the 2003 IIHF World Championship
2003 IIHF World Championship
The 2003 Men's Ice Hockey Championships were held between April 26 and May 11, 2003 in Helsinki, Tampere and Turku, Finland.It was the 67th annual event, and was run by the International Ice Hockey Federation .-Qualification Tournament:...
held in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, scoring two assists in nine games as the Czech's finished in fourth place. He played in one game at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey
2004 World Cup of Hockey
The 2004 World Cup of Hockey was an international ice hockey tournament. It was the second installment of the National Hockey League -sanctioned competition eight years after the inaugural 1996 World Cup of Hockey. It was held from August 30 to September 14, 2004, and took place in various venues...
, getting no points, as his team won the Bronze Medal
Bronze medal
A bronze medal is a medal awarded to the third place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. The practice of awarding bronze third place medals began at the 1904 Olympic Games in St...
. At the 2005 IIHF World Championship
2005 IIHF World Championship
- Group B :All times local - Group C :All times local - Group D :All times local -Qualifying round:The top three teams from each group in the First Round advance to the qualifying round...
played in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
, Vasicek had a goal and two points, helping the Czech Republic to a Gold Medal
Gold Medal
Gold Medal is the sixth studio album by the American hard rock band The Donnas, released in 2004 on Atlantic Records. It was one of the first albums released in the DualDisc format, but was recalled due to a mastering error which resulted in the final track being partially omitted from the CD...
. His next international appearance was at the 2009 IIHF World Championship
2009 IIHF World Championship
The 2009 IIHF World Championship took place in Switzerland from 24 April to 10 May. The games were played in the PostFinance Arena in Bern and Schluefweg in Kloten....
held in Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, as Vasicek had a goal and three points in six games, as the Czech Republic finished in sixth place. In the 2010 Winter Olympics
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
held in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Vasicek had no points in five games, as the Czech Republic finished in seventh place.
Personal
Vašíček was related by marriage to Buffalo SabresBuffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
left wing Thomas Vanek
Thomas Vanek
Thomas Vanek is an Austrian professional ice hockey left winger, an alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League...
; Vanek's brother is married to Vašíček's sister.
Death
On September 7, 2011, Vašíček was killed, when a Yakovlev Yak-42 passenger aircraft, carrying the entire Lokomotiv team, crashedLokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash
The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash occurred at 16:05 MT on Wednesday, 7 September 2011, when a Yak-Service Yakovlev Yak-42, carrying the players and coaching staff of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl professional ice hockey team, crashed near the Russian city of Yaroslavl...
just outside Yaroslavl, Russia. The team was traveling to Minsk
Minsk
- Ecological situation :The ecological situation is monitored by Republican Center of Radioactive and Environmental Control .During 2003–2008 the overall weight of contaminants increased from 186,000 to 247,400 tons. The change of gas as industrial fuel to mazut for financial reasons has worsened...
to play their opening game of the season, with its coaching staff and prospects. Lokomotiv officials said "'everyone from the main roster was on the plane plus four players from the youth team.'"
Awards and achievements
- 1999–20001999–2000 OHL seasonThe 1999–2000 OHL season was the 20th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Barrie Colts won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Plymouth Whalers.-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Scoring leaders:...
: Third All-Star Team (OHLOntario Hockey LeagueThe Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
)
Career statistics
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1998–99 1998–99 OHL season The 1998–99 OHL season was the 19th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Belleville Bulls won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the London Knights.... |
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the Essar Centre. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey... |
OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... |
66 | 21 | 35 | 56 | 30 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 | ||
| 1999–00 1999–2000 OHL season The 1999–2000 OHL season was the 20th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Barrie Colts won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Plymouth Whalers.-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Scoring leaders:... |
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds | OHL | 54 | 26 | 46 | 72 | 49 | 17 | 5 | 15 | 20 | 8 | ||
| 2000–01 | Carolina Hurricanes Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
76 | 8 | 13 | 21 | 53 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2000–01 | Cincinnati Cyclones Cincinnati Cyclones The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena.... |
IHL | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2001–02 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 78 | 14 | 17 | 31 | 53 | 23 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12 | ||
| 2002–03 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 57 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2003–04 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 82 | 19 | 26 | 45 | 60 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2004–05 | HC Slavia Prague HC Slavia Prague HC Slavia Praha is a Czech ice hockey team located in Prague playing the Czech Extraliga. It plays home games in the O2 Arena in Prague... |
CzEx Czech Extraliga The Czech Extraliga is the highest-level ice hockey league in the Czech Republic. As of 2009, it is ranked by the IIHF as the third strongest league in Europe.... |
52 | 20 | 23 | 43 | 42 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 10 | ||
| 2005–06 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 23 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| 2006–07 | Nashville Predators Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 38 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 29 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2006–07 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 25 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2007–08 | New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 81 | 16 | 19 | 35 | 53 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 KHL season The 2008–09 KHL season was the inaugural season of the Kontinental Hockey League. It started on September 2, 2008, and finished on February 26, 2009... |
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Hockey Club Lokomotiv , also known as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, is a Russian professional ice hockey team based in Yaroslavl. The name of the team is derived from its owner, Russian Railways, the national railroad operator.... |
KHL | 56 | 12 | 20 | 32 | 81 | 19 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 KHL season The 2009–10 KHL season was the second season of the Kontinental Hockey League. It was held from 10 September 2009 to 27 April 2010, with a break for the Olympic winter games from 8 February to 3 March... |
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl | KHL | 56 | 21 | 27 | 48 | 54 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 26 | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 KHL season The 2010–11 KHL season is the third season of the Kontinental Hockey League. It was held from 8 September 2010 and ended on 16 April 2011.The season started with the Opening Cup game between the last season's finalists, Ak Bars Kazan and the new team that was created by merging last season's... |
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl | KHL | 54 | 24 | 31 | 55 | 34 | 18 | 7 | 15 | 22 | 16 | ||
| NHL totals | 460 | 77 | 106 | 183 | 311 | 37 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 14 | ||||
| KHL totals | 166 | 57 | 78 | 135 | 169 | 54 | 18 | 32 | 50 | 62 | ||||