For Tomas Hyka, making the Vegas Golden Knights is more than just a personal milestone.
He's among a handful of Czech imports who have attempted the jump from the Czech Extraliga to the NHL this fall. The Extraliga is the country's best professional hockey, but like Czech hockey in general, is a shadow of its former self. To illustrate, in 2001, there were 31 Czech players selected in the NHL Draft. Last year, just four were picked.
From this fall's Czech crop, Hyka, San Jose's Radim Simek, and Chicago's Jan Rutta have survived this far into training camp. Final opening night rosters will be announced league-wide this Tuesday.
"For sure, I represent Czech hockey," Hyka declared with an effusive smile after practice yesterday. "It's good for Czech hockey if we're here and make the NHL. It's a good impression."
Hyka himself was drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Kings in 2012. Two years later, the Kings chose not to sign him and the forward returned to Extraliga.
It's fair to say that most in North America thought they had heard the last of Hyka.
However, three seasons with hometown BK Mladà¡ Boleslav transformed the 5'11" winger, who leads the Golden Knights with four pre-season goals.
"I grew up a lot," observed the now 24-year-old. "The biggest difference is I'm stronger. When I was in America [before], I was like 160. I'm now 180-85.
"I feel more like a hockey player. I'm stronger, faster. More mentally prepared."
While Hyka got bigger and faster, the game slowed down for him.
"When I started played in [Extraliga], they teach you to be calm," he recounted. "Not just when you get the pass, you just shoot it right away. You try to find the best spot. It helped me a lot."
One former NHL star in particular impacted him during these formative campaigns at home.
"I played two years with David Vyborny [of the Columbus Blue Jackets]. He helped us young guys a lot.
"It's good that I played the last three years in [Extraliga]."
Considering his relative lack of pedigree -- older, smaller, once-unsigned NHL draft pick from the Czech league -- when George McPhee scooped him up last June, most left Hyka to the (Chicago) Wolves.
But here's Hyka, forcing McPhee into a roster decision which has stunned even this most cheerful of snipers.
"If somebody would have told me before the season, I would make it so far," smiled Hyka, "I would probably laugh and say, 'You're crazy.'
"I would've believed there was no chance. But I'm still here."