Aleš Stezka Bio
Aleš Stezka (born 6 January 1997) is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for HC Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga (ELH). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds, Stezka was drafted 111th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Over the course of his career, Stezka has played for several clubs in both North America and Europe, including a brief appearance with the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). At the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, he was named the Extraliga’s best goaltender by the writers of the Czech newspaper Právo.
Aleš Stezka Early Life and Background
Early Life and Background
Aleš Stezka was born on 6 January 1997 in Plzeň, Czech Republic, a city long associated with hockey in the western part of the country. Growing up in this environment, he developed an early interest in the sport and began his path toward becoming a goaltender during his childhood years.
As a young player, Stezka joined the regional Czech team HC Meteor Třemošná, where he played his junior hockey. This early experience allowed him to develop the fundamental skills required to compete at higher levels within the Czech hockey system.
His progress in junior hockey eventually led to opportunities with more established programs, setting the stage for his selection in the NHL Draft and his professional career in the Czech Extraliga.
Aleš Stezka Path to Hockey
Path to Hockey
Stezka’s progression through the Czech hockey ranks began in earnest when he joined Bílí Tygři Liberec of the Czech Extraliga in 2010. This move marked his entry into one of the country’s top professional leagues as a developing teenager.
During his time in the Liberec system, Stezka continued to refine his game, which drew the attention of NHL scouts. In the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he was selected in the fourth round, 111th overall, by the Minnesota Wild, validating his development in the Czech leagues.
Following his draft, Stezka spent the 2015–16 season with the Sioux Falls Stampede and the 2016–17 season with the Chicago Steel, both of the United States Hockey League (USHL). These stints in North American junior hockey provided him with valuable experience and exposure before returning to the professional ranks in Europe.
Aleš Stezka Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
For the 2017–18 season, Stezka returned to the Czech Republic to play for Bílí Tygři Liberec, where he formed a goaltending tandem with Roman Will. During the season, he appeared in only two games with Liberec and was loaned to HC Benátky nad Jizerou of the 2nd Czech Republic Hockey League, where he played 27 games and alternated in goal with Josef Kořenář.
The following seasons saw Stezka move between several teams on loan. He spent the 2018–19 season with Piráti Chomutov of the Extraliga and HC Slovan Ústí nad Labem of the second-tier league. He then played two seasons for AZ Havířov, gaining valuable experience and continuing his development as a goaltender.
Extraliga Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Stezka then began playing for HC Vítkovice Ridera, where he would spend two seasons and establish himself as a top goaltender in the Czech Extraliga. His performance during this period was marked by consistency and poise in net.
At the end of the 2022–23 season, Stezka was honored as the Extraliga’s best goaltender by the writers of the Czech newspaper Právo, recognizing his standout play throughout the campaign. This award marked a significant milestone in his career and helped pave the way for his return to North America.
HC Kometa Brno Era (2025–Present)
Following the 2022–23 season, Stezka signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken of the NHL, which took effect during the 2023–24 season. After participating in the Kraken’s training camp, he was assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, to continue his development.
Stezka made his NHL debut for the Seattle Kraken against the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 23, 2025, marking the realization of a long-held dream. After his lone appearance with the Kraken in the 2024–25 season, he opted to return to the Czech Republic as a free agent.
On 18 June 2025, Stezka signed a three-year contract with the reigning Czech Extraliga champions, HC Kometa Brno, where he continues to ply his trade as one of the league’s top goaltenders.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stezka is recognized for his size, athleticism, and calm demeanor in the crease. His ability to track the play and maintain positioning has made him a reliable presence for his teams throughout his career in both European and North American leagues.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Stezka’s most notable achievements are his selection in the 2015 NHL Draft and his recognition as the Extraliga’s best goaltender at the end of the 2022–23 season. His NHL debut with the Seattle Kraken in February 2025 stands as a defining moment in his professional journey.
Aleš Stezka International Play
Stezka has represented the Czech Republic in international competition at the junior level. He played for his country during the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championships, where the Czech Republic was eliminated in a 3–2 loss to Canada, a game in which Stezka made 22 saves.
The following year, he represented the Czech Republic at the 2016 World Junior Championships, continuing his experience on the international stage.
Aleš Stezka Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Information about Stezka’s family background and personal lineage outside of hockey is not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Publicly available details about Stezka’s personal life, including his marital status and family, are limited. He is known to hail from Plzeň, Czech Republic, and has continued to build his career in his home country.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a transitional year for Stezka. After making his NHL debut with the Seattle Kraken on February 23, 2025, he concluded his time in North America and returned to the Czech Republic to sign a three-year contract with HC Kometa Brno, the reigning Extraliga champions.
This move positioned him at one of the most successful clubs in Czech hockey, offering him an opportunity to compete for top honors in the league. His signing was seen as a significant addition for HC Kometa Brno as they sought to maintain their championship form.
Heading into the remainder of 2025, Stezka’s outlook is bright as he integrates with his new team and aims to build on his recognition as the Extraliga’s best goaltender from the 2022–23 season.