The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Ice Hockey›Aleš Hemský
Sports • Ice Hockey

Aleš Hemský

Aleš Hemský is a Czech former professional ice hockey right winger.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Aleš Hemský is a Czech former professional ice hockey right winger. He played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens, and represented the Czech Republic at international tournaments including the Winter Olympics.

Early life and junior career

Hemský was born in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia, on 13 August 1983. He developed as a hockey player in the Czech system before moving into professional play and being selected in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

NHL career

The Edmonton Oilers drafted Hemský 13th overall in 2001, and he became a long-time NHL forward. He later played for the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens during a 15-season career.

International career

Hemský played for the Czech Republic in international competition, including the Winter Olympics. He is also associated with the Czech national team’s success at major tournaments in the 2000s and 2010s.

Retirement

Hemský announced the end of his playing career in 2020 after his final NHL season in 2017–18. He retired as a veteran Czech forward with over 800 NHL games played.

Key facts

  • Hemský was selected 13th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He played 15 seasons in the NHL for Edmonton, Ottawa, Dallas and Montreal.
  • He represented the Czech Republic at the Winter Olympics.
  • He retired from professional hockey in 2020.
  • He was born in Pardubice, then part of Czechoslovakia.
🍁
Canadian context

Hemský spent most of his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers and later played for the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens, making him a familiar figure to Canadian hockey readers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Aleš Hemský?
Aleš Hemský is a retired Czech professional ice hockey right winger who played in the NHL and for the Czech national team.
Which NHL teams did he play for?
He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens.
When was he drafted?
He was selected 13th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
When did he retire?
He retired from professional hockey in 2020.
What is he known for internationally?
He represented the Czech Republic at the Winter Olympics and other major international tournaments.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ale%C5%A1_Hemsk%C3%BD
    Supports: Basic biography, birth date, draft position, NHL teams, and international play.
  2. National Hockey League — https://www.nhl.com/player/ales-hemsky-8469466
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, shooting hand, draft position, and player profile.
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/sk/news/ales-hemsky-ukoncil-hracsku-karieru-316944056
    Supports: Retirement announcement, NHL games played, teams, goals and points, and international honours.
  4. Olympedia — https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/110580
    Supports: Olympic participation and bronze medal result for the Czech Republic.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/1885/ales-hemsky
    Supports: Career NHL player identification, position, birthdate, and draft information.