Dominik Tmej: The Journey to Binghamton, Faith, Hockey & a Championship Goal Before Dominik Tmej became one of the goaltenders helping lead the Binghamton Black Bears, there was a journey that took him across two continents, through major junior hockey, college, uncertainty — and nearly away from hockey altogether. In this special Season 15 replay of the Power Play Post Show, Bob Howard sits down with Dominik Tmej for an in-depth conversation about the road that ultimately brought him to Binghamton. Born in Prague, Czech Republic, Tmej started skating at just two years old. He and his brother eventually moved with their parents to Florida to pursue their hockey dreams, beginning a journey that would take Dominik from Florida youth hockey to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Junior A hockey in Summerside, college hockey at Briarcrest, and eventually the ECHL. But the road wasn't always easy. Dominik talks openly about being sent down from major junior hockey, the lessons he learned from that experience, and the disappointment of having a championship opportunity disappear when COVID shut down the 2019-20 season. He also shares one of the most personal stories we've had on the Power Play Post Show — how he discovered his Christian faith while at Briarcrest and how it changed his life. Then comes the moment that ultimately changed his hockey career. After college, Dominik had gone to Europe hoping to continue playing hockey, but as the months went by, nothing was happening. He was beginning to wonder if his playing career was coming to an end. Then, after praying for a sign about what path his life should take, he received a message in the middle of the night about an opportunity with the Norfolk Admirals. And after that opportunity didn't work out, Brant Sherwood sent him a text. A short time later, Tmej was on his way to Binghamton. Dominik explains what Brant told him about the Black Bears organization, why the decision to come to Binghamton became an easy one, and even the strange connection he discovered between the Black Bears and his own Facebook feed through Zach Sirota's father, Les. Once in Binghamton, Tmej found himself competing alongside Connor McAnanama and Wyatt Friedlander, three goaltenders who pushed each other every day. He talks about learning from Connor, the competition between the goaltenders, the talent in front of him, and why playing behind a team filled with championship-caliber players makes him better. He also opens up about the one game that really changed his approach to the season — the November 14 loss to the Athens Rock Lobsters. Rather than dwell on giving up four goals, Tmej used the loss as motivation to improve his skating, puck tracking and overall game. And there's one thing he makes absolutely clear: He doesn't play for personal statistics. He plays to win. When asked what the goal was for the Black Bears that season, his answer was immediate: "Win a championship. That's it. There isn't anything else." This is a conversation about hockey, perseverance, faith, family, personal growth, friendship, competition and the pursuit of a championship. If you missed Dominik Tmej's Season 15 interview the first time around, this is one you don't want to miss the second time. Power Play Post Show — Season 15 Replay: Dominik Tmej Originally Aired: January 15, 2026 #PPPShow #BinghamtonHockey
