Vitek Vanecek, the former Washington Capitals goaltender, celebrated the Florida Panthers’ 2025 Stanley Cup Victory by bringing the trophy to his hometown of Havlíčkův Brod, Czechia, on Wednesday. Although Vanecek did not play in any playoff games, his role as backup earned him a place on the championship team and the honor of sharing the Cup with his community.
Tomas Nosek Joins Celebrations with Stanley Cup Arrival in Pardubice
The celebrations extended to Vanecek’s teammate Tomas Nosek, who had earlier brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Pardubice on Tuesday. Both players commemorated their achievement with family, friends, and fans, highlighting the significance of bringing the championship trophy back to the Czech Republic.
Memorable Moments Captured by Matching Tattoos and Public Festivities
To mark the historic occasion, Vanecek and Nosek revealed matching Stanley Cup-themed tattoos during a public event in Havlíček Square, attended by nearly a thousand fans. The tattoos symbolized their shared journey and connection to the trophy.
It was pretty special, I finally got it here,
Nosek shared.
To be able to enjoy it with my family and closest friends, something unforgettable, and I will remember it for the rest of my life.
—Tomas Nosek, Florida Panthers forward
Stanley Cup is the one and only, and the NHL is the best league in the world,
Vanecek said.
In Florida, I had a great opportunity to see what it takes to win it. One mistake and it can be all gone. Many great players never won the Cup. And I was so lucky to be on the winning team.
—Vitek Vanecek, Florida Panthers goaltender
Details of Vanecek’s NHL Season and Stanley Cup Eligibility
During the 2024-25 NHL regular season, Vanecek appeared in seven games, recording a 2-4-1 record with a 3.00 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage, including one shutout. He began the season with the San Jose Sharks before being traded to Florida in March. Although he did not play in the playoffs, NHL rules allow backup goaltenders who dress for games to have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup, which was done for Vanecek in July.
Honoring Local Legacy and the Emotional Weight of the Trophy’s Return
Vanecek’s return with the Stanley Cup carries special emotional significance, as he follows in the footsteps of Josef Vasicek, a former Carolina Hurricanes player who brought the trophy to Havlíčkův Brod in 2006 before his tragic death in the 2011 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash. Vanecek reflected on this connection with a mix of pride and solemnity.
It means a lot to me,
Vanecek said.
I know Josef Vasicek was the first guy to ever bring the Cup to this town, and we still have the photo with the Cup and me as a kid in the basement. Unfortunately, that [the crash] happened. But I am glad that I was able to bring the Cup to my hometown as well.
—Vitek Vanecek, Florida Panthers goaltender
Personal Milestones and Future Prospects
Vanecek also became the second Czech player formerly with the Capitals to get a Stanley Cup tattoo, following his close friend Jakub Vrana, who won the Cup in 2018 and got inked with teammate Andre Burakovsky during their celebration. Vrana humorously reacted to his tattoo experience by saying,
Hit me with the f*cking puck because it hurts so bad. This is crazy. This hurts so bad,
—Jakub Vrana, NHL player
On July 1, Vanecek signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with the Utah Mammoth. This move marks the fifth NHL team of his career, which started in 2020, six years after being drafted 39th overall by the Capitals in 2014.
Significance of Bringing the Stanley Cup to Local Communities
The return of the Stanley Cup to Czech towns such as Havlíčkův Brod and Pardubice represents a meaningful connection between international NHL success and hometown pride. For players like Tomas Nosek and Vitek Vanecek, sharing this moment emphasizes their roots and the broader impact of their achievements beyond North America. Their celebrations, marked by public displays, tattoos, and family gatherings, highlight the importance of this milestone in their careers and for their communities.