Tomas Kaberle (person)

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, born in Rakovnik, Czech Republic, on March 2, 1978. Tomas Kaberle is 6'2", 200 lbs, and wears jersey number 15. Following a stint with the Poldi Kladno amateur hockey club, Kaberle was drafted into the NHL in 1996.

Despite being selected in the 13th round at 204th overall, Kaberle played only two games with the Toronto farm club in St. John's, Newfoundland, before earning a roster spot for the upcoming season. So far in 2002-03, he leads all Leafs players in minutes per game, and is fourth in points scored.

Born into a hockey-playing family, his father Frantisek was a star hockey player in the Czech Republic, winning five medals for his country. Unfortunately prevented from playing in the NHL due to political circumstances, the elder Kaberle later went into coaching (he coached Jaromir Jagr early in Jagr's career), as well as the sporting goods industry. Tomas's older brother, Frantisek Jr., is currently an NHL defenseman with the Atlanta Thrashers. Both brothers began playing hockey at age 4.

Tomas was selected to his first NHL All-Star Game in 2002, and also played alongside Jagr on the Czech National Team at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.