Topic: Ales Hemsky

Aleš Hemský (born August 13, 1983) is a Czech professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Hemský entered pro hockey as a 16-year-old, playing for HC Moeller Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga, in his hometown of Pardubice. He split the 1999–2000 season between Moeller and their junior club, HC Moeller Pardubice Jr. Hemský decided he had a better chance to be scouted if he played Canadian Junior hockey than if he tried to make the jump to the Czech Extraleague, and he subsequently became the first selection of the Hull Olympiques in the 2000 CHL Import Draft.

In 2000, Hemský moved to North America to play for the Hull Olympiques of the QMJHL. The following season (2000–2001), Hemský led all rookies in scoring with 36 goals and 100 points. He was named to the All-Rookie team, was selected to play in the 2001 CHL Top Prospects Game, and was awarded the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s top pro prospect.