About KHA

Our Mission

Kapusta Hockey Academy is dedicated to world-class player development through the implementation of the American style of hockey.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Intense Training & Play: Cultivating speed, skill, and grit.
  • On-Ice Adaptation: Teaching players to read and react in real time.
  • Personalized Evaluation & Mentorship: Providing individualized guidance for continuous improvement.
  • Cultural Adaptation: Preparing players for global opportunities on and off the ice.

We achieve this through team and personal coaching, participation in elite international tournaments, and worldwide hockey tours that expose players to diverse cultures around the world.

The Kapusta Hockey Academy is proud to be the First American Hockey Academy in the Czech Republic.

Our ultimate purpose is to help global players elevate their game—playing faster, smarter, and more intensely—while expanding their perspectives through international travel.

Tomas Kapusta

Advisor

Advisor

Tomas served as a Coach and Hockey Director with the Jr. Kings organization for nine years and with the Jr. Reign organization for 12 years. He is currently the Hockey Director at California Surf Hockey.

He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the 104th overall pick in the fifth round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft and competed in all three Junior World Championships between 1985 and 1987.

Throughout his 20-year professional career, Tomas represented the Czech Republic, most notably at the 1993 World Championship in Germany and the 1994 Olympics in Norway. In 1993, he captured the Elite Finnish League scoring title. He was also part of three championship teams in the Czech Republic Extra League.

He graduated from CSULA with a degree in Social Science and from CSULB with a teaching credential. Tomas currently teaches at Excel Charter School Academy as the Teacher of Record.

Through his passion and love for the game, Tomas strives to help each player reach their full potential.

Professional Hockey Career
  • 1985: Drafted in the 5th round by the Edmonton Oilers at the NHL Entry Draft.
  • 1985: Won a silver medal at the World Junior Championship in Finland with Team Czechoslovakia.
  • 1987: Captured another silver medal at the World Junior Championship, this time on home ice in Czechoslovakia.
  • 1991–1992: Played for the Cape Breton Oilers (AHL) and was recognized with the award for perseverance and sportsmanship.
  • 1993: Won the scoring title in the Elite Finnish League, establishing himself as one of the league’s top offensive threats.
  • 1993: Represented the Czech Republic at the World Championship in Germany, earning a bronze medal.
  • 1994: Competed in the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway as a member of the Czech national team.
  • 1997–1998: Won the championship with Vsetín in the Elite Czech Hockey League.
  • 1999: Reached the championship final with Zlín in the Elite Czech Hockey League.
  • 2000–2003: Served as captain of the Long Beach Ice Dogs in the WCHL, providing veteran leadership.
  • 2004: Retired from professional hockey after a 20-year career, finishing with a championship in the top Czech League with his hometown team in Zlín.
Professional Achievements
  • 2004–2025: Coached youth hockey across Southern California, working with organizations including the LA Junior Kings, Wildcats, Jr. Reign, California Surf, and St. John Bosco High School.
  • 2011–2012: Served as Hockey Director for the LA Junior Kings, overseeing player development and program structure.
  • 2012–2025: Appointed Hockey Director for the Jr. Reign, leading growth and advancement of the program across multiple locations.
  • 2017–Present: Head Coach at St. John Bosco High School, building and developing the prep program.
  • 2025–Present: Named Hockey Director of California Surf Hockey, continuing his leadership in player development and program direction.
Coaching Experience
  • 2003–2012: Coach with the LA Junior Kings, working with A, AA, and AAA level teams.
  • 2012–2025: Coach with the Jr. Reign Hockey Club, developing players at A, AA, and AAA levels.
  • 2017–Present: Head Coach at St. John Bosco High School, building and leading the school’s hockey program.
  • 2025–Present: Hockey Director with California Surf Hockey, continuing to grow player development opportunities in Southern California.
Educational Experience
  • 2004: Graduated with an Associate Degree from Long Beach City College.
  • 2006: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with an emphasis in History from California State University, Los Angeles.
  • 2009: Obtained a K-12 Clear Teaching Credential in Social Science at California State University, Long Beach.
  • 2017–Present: Teacher of Record (TOR) at Excel Academy Charter School.
Community Involvement
  • 1989–1992: Active in Sydney, Nova Scotia, supporting community programs against drugs, fundraising for sick children, participating in youth group activities, and making appearances on television and in newspapers to promote the No Drugs Project.
  • 1999–2004: Promoted local hockey teams in Muskegon, Michigan, and Long Beach, California by visiting schools and engaging with students.
  • 2009–2015: Worked as a middle school and high school teacher, contributing to youth development both on and off the ice.
Languages

  • Spoken and written Czech

  • English

  • Spoken Russian, Slovak, and German

Related Information

LEAGUE INFORMATION

Tomas Kapusta played in eight leagues over the course of his career. Learn more about them from these League History pages.

TEAM INFORMATION

If you would like to know more about any of the 14 teams that Tomas Kapusta played for during his career, visit these Team History pages.