Thomas Novak Bio
Thomas Novak is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted with the 85th overall pick by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. Novak has established himself as a skilled player in the league since beginning his professional career in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Novak was born on April 28, 1997, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to John and Patti Novak. Although he was born in Minnesota, Novak was raised in River Falls, Wisconsin. Growing up in a supportive family, he developed a passion for hockey at a young age, which led him to pursue the sport seriously during his formative years. Novak attended Saint Thomas Academy, where he played high school hockey and honed his skills on the ice.
Path to Hockey
After three years of high school hockey at Saint Thomas Academy, Novak joined the Waterloo Black Hawks for the 2014–15 United States Hockey League (USHL) season. His outstanding performance with the Black Hawks earned him an invitation to skate in the 2014 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. Following his successful stint in the USHL, he played college ice hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2015 to 2019, further developing his skills and preparing for a professional career.
Thomas Novak Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Thomas Novak began his professional career when he signed with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) on March 20, 2019. He signed an entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators on March 25, 2020. Novak made his NHL debut on October 19, 2021, showcasing his talent at the highest level of the sport.
Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Novak’s breakthrough moment came on December 17, 2021, when he scored his first NHL goal against Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-André Fleury in a 3–2 victory for the Nashville Predators. He continued to build on this success, finishing the 2022–23 NHL season with 17 goals. In July 2022, Novak re-signed with Nashville on a one-year contract, and on February 8, 2023, he signed another one-year contract with the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Novak’s signature work includes his first NHL goal and his consistent performance with the Nashville Predators. His ability to score and contribute to the team’s success has made him a valuable player in the league.
Thomas Novak Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Thomas Novak has not received any notable award nominations.
Thomas Novak Awards Won
Thomas Novak has not won any major awards during his professional career.
Thomas Novak Family
Thomas Novak is the son of John and Patti Novak. He has maintained a close relationship with his family, who have supported him throughout his hockey journey.
Personal Life
Details about Thomas Novak’s personal life, including his marital status and children, are not publicly available. He currently resides in River Falls, Wisconsin, and continues to focus on his hockey career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
