Lukáš Dostál (born 22 June 2000) is a Czech professional ice hockey
goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as goalie or netminder) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their own team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays ...
for the
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...
of the
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...
(NHL). He was selected by the Ducks in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2018 NHL entry draft.
Early life
Dostál was born on 22 June 2000 in
Brno
Brno ( , ; ) is a Statutory city (Czech Republic), city in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. Located at the confluence of the Svitava (river), Svitava and Svratka (river), Svratka rivers, Brno has about 403,000 inhabitants, making ...
, Czech Republic, to parents Martin and Renata, but he is a native of
Bedřichovice
Bedřichovice is a village and an administrative part of Šlapanice in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. As of a census taken in 2011, it had 338 inhabitants.
Geography
Bedřichovice is located about to the east of Brno. It lies i ...
. He first began playing ice hockey at the age of six but became a goaltender later when his team lacked one.
Playing career
Dostál signed with
HC Kometa Brno
HC Kometa Brno ("Comet" in English) is a professional ice hockey team based in Brno, Czech Republic. They play in the Czech Extraliga. Kometa is the most successful ice hockey club in the Czech Republic with 14 Czechoslovak First Ice Hockey League ...
youth setup in 2012 and played in their U16, U18 and U20 teams. He made his professional debut in 2017 with
SK Horácká Slavia Třebíč
SK Horácká Slavia Třebíč is an ice hockey team in Třebíč, Czech Republic. They play in the Czech 1.liga, the second level of ice hockey in the country. The club was created in 1928.
Dostál entered the 2018 NHL entry draft as the number one ranked European prospect goaltender and was selected 85th overall by the
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...
.
Dostál made his full debut for Kometa Brno's senior team during the
2017–18 Champions Hockey League
The 2017–18 Champions Hockey League was the fourth season of the Champions Hockey League, a European ice hockey tournament. The tournament was reduced to 32 teams, and qualification was on sporting merits only. The six founding leagues are rep ...
and made his Czech Extraliga debut during the 2018–19 season before going out of a second loan spell with Slavia Třebíč. On 5 February 2019, Dostál under contract with Kometa until 2021, was loaned to the
Liiga
The Liiga, colloquially called the Finnish Elite League in English or FM-ligan in Swedish, is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. The league comprises 16 teams from all around Finland with relegation and promotion between the Mesti ...
with Finnish club,
Ilves
Tampereen Ilves, commonly known as Ilves, (; Finnish language, Finnish for "Eurasian lynx, Lynx") is a Finnish professional ice hockey team based in Tampere. They play in the Liiga at the Nokia Arena (Tampere), Nokia Arena.
The colors of Ilves, ...
. He appeared in 10 games, collecting four wins while recording a 1.80 goals against average.
On 14 May 2019, Dostál was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. However, after attending the Ducks' training camp, Dostál returned to Ilves in the Liiga for the 2019–20 SM-liiga season. During the season, Dostál earned 27 wins and ranked second in the league in goals against average with 1.78. As a result, he became the second Ilves player in Liiga history to be named the Liiga's Goaltender of the Year. The Ducks agreed to loan Dostál back to Ilves in the Liiga for the
2020–21 SM-liiga season
The dash is a punctuation mark consisting of a long horizontal line. It is similar in appearance to the hyphen but is longer and sometimes higher from the baseline. The most common versions are the endash , generally longer than the hyphen ...
, and he maintained a 10–1–0 record, a 1.64 goals against average, and a .940 save percentage to start the season. On 25 November 2020, it was announced that the Ducks had exercised their playing rights on Dostál and invited him officially join their organization and move to North America.
Anaheim Ducks
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
2020–21 NHL season
The 2020–21 NHL season was the List of NHL seasons, 104th season of operation (103rd season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in North America, COVID-19 pandemic, the regular season was reduced to 56 gam ...
was delayed until 13 January 2021, and limited to 56 games. Dostál attended the Ducks' training camp in January but was re-assigned to their
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...
affiliate, the
San Diego Gulls
The San Diego Gulls are a professional ice hockey team based in San Diego. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League (NHL)'s Anaheim Ducks. The team plays its home games at Pechanga Arena.
History
On Jan ...
, to start the season. Dostál immediately impacted the Gulls by winning his first three games with the team. By doing so at the age of 20, Dostál became the youngest goaltender in franchise history to win his first three starts, passing John Gibson by two years. During those three games, Dostál stopped 109 of 114 shots to maintain a .956 save percentage and 1.67 goals against average. He then became the first Gulls goaltender to win his first five games over his first five starts as the Gulls set a franchise record for the longest win streak to start the season. Both win streaks were broken on 19 February, after Dostál let in three goals over seven minutes in an eventual 5–1 loss to the
Bakersfield Condors
The Bakersfield Condors are a professional ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers. The Condors play their home games at Dignity Healt ...
. Although his efforts helped the Gull start the 2020–21 season with a perfect 6–0–0 record, the team began losing consistency and Dostál maintained a 5–7–0 record over his first 12 games. Dostál's rookie season involved him becoming more comfortable on the smaller ice surfaces that were standard in North America but much larger in the Liiga. Between 31 March and 30 April, Dostál set a Gulls rookie record with an eight-game win streak although this was shortly followed by a seven game winning drought. Dostál finished his rookie season with a 15–9–0 record, a 2.87 goals against average, .916 save percentage over 24 games. He also finished the regular season second among AHL goaltenders in saves with 813 and third in wins. Due to his regular season success, Dostál made his AHL playoff debut during the Pacific Division semifinal of the 2021 Calder Cup playoffs against the Condors. In Game 1, he made 39 saves to lead the Gulls to a 5–3 win. Over the three game series, he led the division with a .935 save percentage although the Gulls would fail to advance.
Following his rookie season, Dostál attended the Ducks' training camp ahead of the 2021–22 season although he was re-assigned to the Gulls. However, he was recalled back to the NHL level on 15 October, without having played a game for the Gulls. He returned to the Gulls on 17 October, but the team struggled with an 0–2–0 record to start the season. By 12 December, Dostál had maintained a 5–5–0 record and a 2.83 goals against average. Due to the unique problems the COVID-19 pandemic had on the NHL, teams were allowed to carry a "
taxi squad
In gridiron football, the practice squad, also called the taxi squad or practice roster, is a group of players signed by a team but not part of their main roster. They serve as extra players during the team's practices, often as part of the scout ...
" to ensure teams were equipped with enough players. Dostál was assigned to the Ducks' taxi squad on 27 December, along with five other players. On 9 January 2022, Dostál made his NHL debut in place of
Anthony Stolarz
Anthony Stolarz (born January 20, 1994) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and Flori ...
who had played the previous night. He made 33 saves in the Ducks 4–3 shootout win over the
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
to become the first Ducks goaltender to win his NHL debut since Kevin Boyle in 2019. He also set a franchise rookie record for most saves by a Ducks goaltender in their NHL debut and became the fifth goaltender in Ducks history to make his NHL debut at age 21 or younger. Upon rejoining the Gulls, Dostál recorded his first career AHL shutout on 26 February, against the
Henderson Silver Knights
The Henderson Silver Knights are a professional ice hockey team based in Henderson, Nevada. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team plays its home games at Lee ...
. He subsequently became the youngest goaltender in franchise history to post a shutout and it marked the Gulls' first shutout since 2 March 2019. Following this accomplishment, Dostál was named the AHL's Player of the Week for the week ending on 28 February. A few days later, Dostál made 51 saves and scored an
empty net goal
An empty net goal, abbreviated as EN or ENG and colloquially called an empty netter, occurs in several team sports when a team scores a goal into a net with no goaltender ''(goalie)'' present.
Ice hockey
Empty net goals usually occur on two occas ...
to clinch a 5–2 win over the
Colorado Eagles
The Colorado Eagles are a professional ice hockey team based in Loveland, Colorado. The Eagles play in the Pacific Division of the American Hockey League.
The Eagles were founded as an expansion franchise in 2003 in the Central Hockey League and ...
. This made him the first Gulls goaltender to score a goal in a game and the 17th in league history. He finished his first full season in the AHL tied for second among rookies with a 2.60 goals against average and third with a .916 save percentage.
After participating in the Ducks' training camp and preseason ahead of the 2022–23 season, Dostál returned to the AHL for his third campaign with the Gulls. Dostál was named the AHL's Player of the Week for the week ending on 13 November 2022, after he stopped 83 of 86 shots to maintain a 2–1–0 record over three games. Over his first 20 games of the season, Dostál posted a 6–13–0 record with one shutout, a 2.88 goals against average, and .916 save percentage. In December, Dostál became the first Ducks rookie goaltender with multiple 40-save appearances after he made over 40 saves in two games against the
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...
and
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...
. His 46 saves against Edmonton ranked second all-time by a Ducks rookie goaltender, behind
Frederik Andersen
Frederik Andersen (born 2 October 1989) is a Danish professional ice hockey goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Representing Denmark men ...
in 2014. Despite his performance, the Ducks reassigned Dostál to the Gulls on 1 January, after veteran goaltender Anthony Stolarz recovered from an injury and was able to backup starter John Gibson. In his first game back with the Gulls, Dostál posted a 39-save shutout against the Henderson Silver Knights. Upon returning to the AHL in January, Dostál had improved to an 8–14–0 record and ranked second among goaltenders in shutouts and saves made. As such, he was selected to represent the Gulls at the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic. During the AHL All-Star Challenge, Dostál recorded two assists to tie
Christopher Gibson
Christopher Gibson (born 27 December 1992) is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for HC Nové Zámky of the Slovak Extraliga. He most recently played for Lukko of the Finnish Liiga. Gibson was selected by the Los Ange ...
for the most assists in an All-Star Challenge/Game and was named co-MVP alongside
Calgary Wranglers
The Calgary Wranglers are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. They are members of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference of the American Hockey League (AHL). The team plays at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the home of their Na ...
goaltender
Dustin Wolf
Dustin Wolf (born April 16, 2001) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the seventh round of the 2019 NHL entry draft, 214th overall, by the Flames.
Wol ...
. He finished the AHL regular season with an 11–21–0 record and a career-high three shutouts. He signed a two-year contract extension with the Ducks on 16 July 2023.
Unlike in previous seasons, Dostál remained with the Ducks following training camp and preseason games and made their opening night roster for the 2023–24 season. He was one of 12 players on the Anaheim Ducks' opening night roster who were 25 and younger. Dostál made an immediate positive impact on the Ducks lineup as he led rookie goaltenders with four wins over five appearances in October. He also led all rookie goaltenders in saves with 151 and shots against with 164. As such, he was recognized by the league as the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October. On 3 January 2024, Dostál set a franchise record of 55 saves for the Anaheim Ducks although the team would fall to the
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
2–1 in overtime. Later, on 2 March, Dostál set a franchise record for most saves made in a win after making 52 saves in a game against the
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The club w ...
. His save total also matched the second-most saves by any rookie goaltender in a victory since 1977. Later that month, Dostál helped the Ducks end their seven-game losing streak by earning his first NHL shutout against the
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...
on 22 March. He became the third rookie in Ducks history to record a shutout, joining John Gibson and
Ilya Bryzgalov
Ilya Nikolayevich Bryzgalov (; ; born 22 June 1980) is a Russian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Anaheim Ducks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers and Minneso ...
. Dostál finished his rookie season with 14 wins as the Ducks finished with a 27–50–5 record.
Adam Henrique
Adam Henrique (born February 6, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 82nd overall at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. Henrique previous ...
designed custom shoes for the shoe company
Vans
Vans (originally called the Van Doren Rubber Company) is an American apparel, accessories, and skateboarding shoes brand, established in Anaheim, California, and owned by VF Corporation. The company also sponsors surf, snowboarding, BMX, and ...
in honor of the Ducks franchise's 30th anniversary.
Ice Hockey World Championships
The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual international men's ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), first officially held at the 1920 Summer Olympics. The IIHF was created in 1908 while the I ...
twice, in
2022
The year began with another wave in the COVID-19 pandemic, with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, Omicron spreading rapidly and becoming the dominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. Tracking a decrease in cases and deaths, 2022 saw ...
and
2024
The year saw the list of ongoing armed conflicts, continuation of major armed conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Myanmar civil war (2021–present), Myanmar civil war, the Sudanese civil war (2023–present), Sudane ...
, medaling in both, with a bronze and a gold, respectively.
In the
2024 IIHF World Championship
The 2024 IIHF World Championship was hosted by Czechia from 10 to 26 May 2024. It was held in Prague and Ostrava, and organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation. It was the most attended Hockey Championship in history with a total atte ...
, Dostál served as the starting goaltender for the Czechs, starting all but two games. It proved to be the correct decision, as Dostál dominated the tournament with a 1.58 GAA. Dostál recorded two shutouts in the playoff round of the tournament, one in the quarterfinal against the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
, and another in the gold medal game against
Switzerland
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located in west-central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland ...
, propelling the Czechs to a gold medal victory on their home soil.