Karel Vejmelka, the Utah Mammoth goaltender, has been named the NHL’s Third Star for the week ending February 5, marking his second such honor this season after receiving the award for the week ending January 18. This recognition highlights his strong performance just ahead of the NHL’s Olympic break.
Impressive Performance Leads to Back-to-Back Wins
Last week, the 29-year-old Vejmelka posted a perfect 2-0-0 record, achieving a 1.51 goals-against average (GAA) and a .944 save percentage across two starts. He stopped 21 shots against Vancouver on Monday and held the Detroit Red Wings scoreless for nearly 56 minutes on Wednesday, making 29 saves in total. His latest win brought his season total to 27 victories, a new personal best that surpasses his 26 wins during Utah’s inaugural campaign.
Season Statistics and League Rankings
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 221 pounds, Vejmelka has accumulated a 27-14-2 record in 44 games this year, tying for the league lead in both wins and games played. Since December 21, he has been outstanding at home in the Delta Center, posting a 9-1-0 record, 2.10 GAA, and .922 save percentage. His 16 home wins this season are also tied for the highest among NHL goaltenders.
On the Verge of a Historic Czech Milestone
Born in Třebíč, Czechia, Vejmelka is just three wins away from joining the exclusive group of Czech goaltenders who have reached 30 or more wins in a single NHL season. This select list includes his teammate Vítek Vaněček, who recorded 33 wins with New Jersey in 2022-23. Earlier in the season, Vejmelka also became only the second Czech netminder to lead the NHL in wins with 20. He is expected to compete for Czechia at the Winter Olympics for the first time in his career.
Franchise Recognition and NHL Stars of the Week History
Vejmelka is among just four Utah Mammoth players to be named an NHL Star of the Week. He stands out as the first Mammoth player to receive the honor multiple times, both calls coming within the last three weeks. This marks the second Third Star accolade of his NHL career. For the week ending February 5, Vejmelka was named alongside Matt Boldy of Minnesota and Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders.
Past Utah Mammoth Players Honored as NHL Stars of the Week
The Utah Mammoth’s history of NHL Stars of the Week includes Dylan Guenther as First Star on October 14, 2024; Barrett Hayton as Third Star on January 27, 2025; Logan Cooley as Second Star on October 27, 2025; and Vejmelka’s two Third Star awards on January 19 and February 6, 2026.
Significance of Vejmelka’s Achievements
Karel Vejmelka’s recent performances have solidified his role as a top goaltender in the NHL this season, showcasing resilience and skill during a critical stretch leading into the Olympic break. His pursuit of the 30-win milestone and upcoming Olympic debut highlight his growing stature in professional hockey, promising continued impact for both the Utah Mammoth and the Czech national team moving forward.
