Dominik Hašek, an ice-hockey genius and one of the most respected ice-hockey players in the entire history of this sport, who is referred to as the most successful goalkeeper of all times, made his first steps on the ice in Pardubice. Here he also first stood in the goal at the highest level of ice-hockey competitions, winning twice the title of the Master of the League. As a star of the NHL, Hašek made good use of his talent and the years of hard work. He played with Buffalo Sabres for longs years and as a member of the Detroit Red Wings club he won the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious club trophy. In the course of his career, he has received a number of awards, including the Hart Trophy for the most useful player (twice) and in particular the Vezin Trophy for the best goalkeeper (five times). The majority of Czechs, however, will remember Dominik Hašek as the hero of the Olympic tournament in Nagano.