Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Karel Vejmelka is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Utah Mammoth in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 25, 1996, in Třebíč, Czech Republic, he grew up in a sports-loving family that helped him develop into an international hockey player.
Karel Vejmelka’s parents are Karel Vejmelka Sr. and Lucie Vejmelková. He has three siblings: a younger brother, Lukáš Vejmelka, and two sisters, including Denisa Vejmelková. His younger brother also pursued competitive ice hockey as a goaltender.
Regarding his romantic life, Czech media identified Lucie Křížová as his girlfriend in February 2026, although subsequent reporting created uncertainty about his current relationship status. There is no reliable public confirmation that Vejmelka is married or has children.
Karel Vejmelka’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
Karel Vejmelka has generally maintained a private romantic life despite his growing popularity in the NHL.
For several years, Czech sports publications reported that the goaltender had not publicly identified a girlfriend.
However, on February 8, 2026, Czech television news outlet TN.cz published an article about the partners of Czech hockey players participating in the Winter Olympics.
The publication identified Lucie Křížová as Karel Vejmelka’s girlfriend and included a photograph attributed to her Instagram account.
Later in February, other Czech publications reported differing information about his romantic relationships.
Because Vejmelka has not publicly clarified those accounts through an independently verified statement, it is not possible to identify his current partner with certainty.
Who Is Lucie Křížová?
Lucie Křížová was publicly identified as Karel Vejmelka’s girlfriend in February 2026 by TN.cz, a Czech news outlet associated with TV Nova.
However, limited independently verified biographical information is available about her.
Her educational background, occupation, and other personal details have not been established through reliable hockey sources.
Although contemporary reporting documented their association, it does not establish that they remain a couple.
Therefore, describing Lucie Křížová as his confirmed current girlfriend would go beyond the available evidence.
Is Karel Vejmelka Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Karel Vejmelka is married.
Official player biographies published by the Utah Mammoth, NHL.com, and Czech hockey organizations do not identify a wife.
No independently verified wedding announcement has been established through reputable sports reporting.
Consequently, Vejmelka’s marital status remains unconfirmed, and there is insufficient evidence to identify a spouse.
Does Karel Vejmelka Have Children?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Karel Vejmelka has children.
The Utah Mammoth goaltender has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
His official NHL profiles and established interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Vejmelka frequently discusses his parents and siblings, he has maintained privacy regarding whether he has started a family of his own.
Karel Vejmelka’s Parents
Karel Vejmelka was raised in Třebíč, Czech Republic, by parents who encouraged their children to participate in sports and pursue education.
His father, Karel Vejmelka Sr., played hockey, while his mother, Lucie Vejmelková, has been a dedicated supporter of his professional career.
In interviews with The Salt Lake Tribune, Sport.cz, and the Utah Mammoth, Vejmelka has explained how his parents helped shape his development.
Karel Vejmelka’s Father: Karel Vejmelka Sr.
Karel Vejmelka’s father is also named Karel Vejmelka.
He played ice hockey as a forward in Třebíč and introduced his children to the sport.
According to an interview published by The Salt Lake Tribune on February 11, 2026, the elder Karel initially encouraged his son to become an outfield player rather than a goaltender.
He believed that playing in goal was particularly demanding and physically challenging.
However, young Karel developed a fascination with stopping pucks instead of scoring goals.
How Karel Vejmelka’s Father Influenced His Career
Karel began playing hockey as a young child, initially as a forward.
He also experimented with playing defense before deciding that goaltending was his favorite position.
When he was approximately seven years old, he asked his father for permission to become a goalie.
His father initially resisted.
In a 2022 interview with Sport.cz, Vejmelka explained that his parents were concerned about the physical demands of goaltending, particularly the possibility of being struck by powerful shots.
For approximately a year, they encouraged him to return to playing forward.
Nevertheless, Karel remained determined to become a goaltender.
Eventually, his father accepted the decision and supported his development.
The experience became an important lesson in perseverance for the future NHL player.
Karel Vejmelka’s Father Was Also a Hockey Player
Karel Vejmelka Sr. played hockey in Třebíč, where the sport has a long local tradition.
His experience as a forward helped introduce both Karel and his younger brother Lukáš to organized hockey.
In a February 2022 interview with Hokej.cz, Lukáš explained that their father originally wanted both sons to become outfield players.
However, after seeing Karel develop into a successful goaltender, he became more accepting when Lukáš expressed the same ambition.
Although the elder Karel’s involvement in hockey is publicly confirmed, a professional NHL or major European playing career has not been established for him.
Karel Vejmelka’s Mother: Lucie Vejmelková
Lucie Vejmelková is Karel Vejmelka’s mother and one of his most dedicated supporters.
She helped raise Karel and his three siblings in Třebíč, where the family developed strong connections to local hockey.
Lucie regularly follows her son’s professional career, including his appearances for the Czech national team and the Utah Mammoth.
In May 2025, Czech publication Prima Ženy identified her as one of his biggest supporters.
The publication also noted that she occasionally traveled to the United States to visit him.
Vejmelka has publicly expressed gratitude for the support and guidance he received from both parents.
Lucie Vejmelková’s Support for Her Son
Lucie’s involvement did not end when Karel moved away from his hometown to pursue higher-level hockey.
Throughout his development in Czechia, she supported his education and encouraged him to remain disciplined.
In an autobiographical article published by Bez frází, Vejmelka explained that his parents taught him important values, including hard work, good manners, and personal responsibility.
They also encouraged him to continue studying even after he signed a professional hockey contract.
Although they sometimes favored a cautious approach to major career decisions, Vejmelka appreciated their guidance while learning to make independent choices.
His mother’s encouragement remained important after he relocated to North America in 2021.
Karel Vejmelka’s Siblings
Karel Vejmelka has three siblings: one brother and two sisters.
He personally confirmed the family’s composition during an interview published by the Utah Mammoth on March 13, 2025.
His younger brother is Lukáš Vejmelka, and one of his sisters is Denisa Vejmelková.
The name of his other sister has not been independently established through the reliable sources reviewed.
Lukáš Vejmelka – Karel Vejmelka’s Younger Brother
Lukáš Vejmelka is Karel Vejmelka’s younger brother and a Czech ice hockey goaltender.
Like his older brother, Lukáš grew up in Třebíč and developed an interest in playing in goal.
He participated in the youth hockey system of SK Horácká Slavia Třebíč.
In February 2022, Hokej.cz published an interview with Lukáš discussing his relationship with his older brother.
At the time, Lukáš was 17 years old and playing an important role for Třebíč’s junior hockey team.
He was also listed as a reserve goaltender for the organization’s senior team.
How Karel Influenced Lukáš Vejmelka’s Hockey Career
Lukáš has described his older brother as an important example during his development.
He explained that becoming a goaltender was easier for him because his father had already accepted Karel’s decision to play the position.
Unlike Karel, who initially had to persuade his parents, Lukáš was allowed to pursue goaltending with less resistance.
During childhood, he watched Karel compete at higher levels and became motivated to follow a similar path.
However, Lukáš emphasized that he wanted to build his own hockey career rather than simply copy his brother.
He also acknowledged the importance of maintaining confidence and working hard to improve.
The brothers share a close relationship through their common passion for hockey.
Denisa Vejmelková – Karel Vejmelka’s Sister
Denisa Vejmelková is one of Karel Vejmelka’s two sisters.
Her relationship with the NHL goaltender has been documented through Czech sports reporting and his social media posts.
In May 2025, Czech media published photographs highlighting the relationship between Karel, Denisa, and their mother Lucie.
Denisa has accompanied her brother during trips and important personal occasions.
In one social media post described by Expres.cz, Karel celebrated a trip with Denisa and thanked her for supporting him.
The message highlighted their close sibling relationship despite living in different countries during the hockey season.
Denisa also appeared in Czech sports coverage surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Further details about her occupation, education, and private life have not been extensively documented through reliable sources.
Karel Vejmelka’s Other Sister
Karel Vejmelka has another sister whose name has not been reliably established.
He confirmed having two sisters during his March 2025 interview with the Utah Mammoth.
Although the existence of this second sister is verified through his own statement, detailed information about her personal and professional background is not publicly available.
Her identity should not be guessed or confused with other people who share the Vejmelka surname.
Karel Vejmelka’s Family Celebrates His NHL Contract
One of the most memorable family moments in Karel Vejmelka’s professional career occurred in March 2025.
On March 6, 2025, Utah announced that Vejmelka had signed a five-year contract extension.
The agreement followed an impressive season in which he established himself as one of the team’s most important players.
According to a March 13, 2025, Utah Mammoth feature by Craig Morgan, Vejmelka immediately contacted his family to share the news.
He joined a family group video call that included both parents, his brother, and his two sisters.
Vejmelka described the experience as especially meaningful because it meant he could remain in Utah for several more years.
He was also pleased that his family would have additional opportunities to visit him in the United States.
The moment demonstrated how closely his relatives continued following his professional achievements.
Karel Vejmelka’s Childhood in Třebíč
Karel Vejmelka grew up in Třebíč, a historic city in the Vysočina Region of Czechia.
His childhood included several sports and activities.
During the winter, he frequently played informal hockey games with friends on frozen outdoor surfaces.
In the summer, he participated in tennis and soccer.
He also studied music and learned to play the piano and guitar.
However, ice hockey gradually became his primary passion.
He admired Czech hockey stars, including Dominik Hašek, Tomáš Vokoun, and Jaromír Jágr.
As a young player, he developed his skills with SK Horácká Slavia Třebíč before moving to larger hockey organizations.
His family supported his transition into increasingly competitive leagues.
How Karel Vejmelka’s Parents Influenced His Education
Education was an important priority within the Vejmelka family.
Although Karel became a promising hockey player during his teenage years, his parents encouraged him to continue studying.
In a 2022 interview with Czech Radio Wave, he discussed completing studies in sports management.
He also explained that his parents wanted him to maintain opportunities outside professional hockey.
In February 2026, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that his parents had encouraged him to complete secondary education and pursue university studies.
Vejmelka appreciated their advice, although he sometimes disagreed with their cautious approach to his hockey career.
Ultimately, he learned to balance academic responsibilities with professional sporting ambitions.
Karel Vejmelka’s Journey From Czech Hockey to the NHL
Karel Vejmelka began his professional development in Czechia, playing for organizations including HC Pardubice and HC Kometa Brno.
In June 2015, the Nashville Predators selected him in the fifth round, 145th overall, of the NHL Entry Draft.
However, he did not immediately move to North America.
Instead, he remained in Czechia to gain experience in the country’s professional leagues.
He subsequently became an important goaltender for Kometa Brno, helping the organization win Czech Extraliga championships in 2017 and 2018.
After Nashville’s NHL rights to him expired, Vejmelka considered pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
In May 2021, the Arizona Coyotes signed him to a one-year entry-level contract.
He made his NHL debut on October 16, 2021, against the Buffalo Sabres.
The appearance represented the realization of a childhood ambition that his family had supported for many years.
Karel Vejmelka’s Family and His Move to Utah
In 2024, the Arizona Coyotes’ hockey operations transferred to the new Utah franchise.
Vejmelka moved with the organization and became an important part of its goaltending group.
During the 2024–25 season, he recorded 26 wins, a 2.58 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage.
His teammates selected him as the organization’s inaugural Most Valuable Player.
His performances helped earn the five-year contract extension announced in March 2025.
Although his immediate family remained in Czechia, Vejmelka continued maintaining close relationships with his parents and siblings.
He returned to his hometown during NHL offseasons and welcomed relatives on visits to North America.
Karel Vejmelka’s International Hockey Achievements
Karel Vejmelka has represented Czechia in several international competitions.
He earned a silver medal at the 2014 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
He later represented the senior Czech national team at multiple IIHF World Championships.
In 2022, he helped Czechia win a bronze medal at the tournament.
He was also a member of the Czech team that won gold at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Prague.
The achievement was particularly meaningful because the championship took place in his home country.
In January 2026, the Utah Mammoth confirmed that Vejmelka had been selected to represent Czechia at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
The selection fulfilled another childhood ambition.
His parents and siblings remained an important source of encouragement as he represented his country on the international stage.
Karel Vejmelka’s 2025–26 NHL Season
During the 2025–26 NHL season, Vejmelka established new personal milestones with the Utah Mammoth.
According to an official team review published on August 17, 2026, he recorded a 38-20-3 record, a 2.75 goals-against average, and a .897 save percentage.
He also registered two shutouts and appeared in 64 games, the highest total among NHL goaltenders that season.
His performances helped Utah qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Vejmelka participated in all six of the team’s playoff games.
He also reached his 100th career NHL victory on March 7, 2026, against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The season represented another significant achievement for a player who had spent several years wondering whether he would ever reach the NHL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karel Vejmelka’s Family
Who is Karel Vejmelka’s girlfriend?
Lucie Křížová was identified as Karel Vejmelka’s girlfriend by Czech news outlet TN.cz in February 2026. However, later reports raised uncertainty about his relationship status, and his current partner has not been independently confirmed.
Is Karel Vejmelka married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Karel Vejmelka is married or has a wife.
Does Karel Vejmelka have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Karel Vejmelka.
Who are Karel Vejmelka’s parents?
His parents are Karel Vejmelka Sr. and Lucie Vejmelková, who raised him in Třebíč, Czech Republic.
Who is Karel Vejmelka’s father?
His father is Karel Vejmelka Sr., a former hockey forward who initially encouraged his son to play an outfield position rather than become a goaltender.
Who is Karel Vejmelka’s mother?
His mother is Lucie Vejmelková, who has supported his hockey career and occasionally traveled to North America to visit him.
How many siblings does Karel Vejmelka have?
Karel Vejmelka has three siblings: one brother and two sisters. He confirmed this during an official Utah Mammoth interview in March 2025.
Who is Karel Vejmelka’s brother?
His younger brother is Lukáš Vejmelka, a Czech goaltender who developed through the Třebíč youth hockey system.
Who is Karel Vejmelka’s sister?
One of his sisters is Denisa Vejmelková, who has accompanied and supported him during important occasions. He has another sister whose name has not been reliably established.
Did Karel Vejmelka’s father play hockey?
Yes. Karel Vejmelka Sr. played hockey as a forward in Třebíč.
Why did Karel Vejmelka become a goaltender?
He developed a passion for stopping pucks during childhood and persuaded his parents to let him become a goaltender despite their initial concerns about the position.
Where is Karel Vejmelka’s family from?
The Vejmelka family comes from Třebíč, a city in the Vysočina Region of Czechia.
Why does Karel Vejmelka wear number 70?
According to the Utah Mammoth’s official media guide, Vejmelka chose number 70 because his parents were born in the 1970s.
Did Karel Vejmelka win a World Championship?
Yes. He was part of the Czech national team that won gold at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
