A tall and skillful defenceman, Vlastimil Kroupa entered the 2001-02 season still trying to find consistency and regular ice time in the NHL. The rugged style of play in North America and the long season appeared to be two insurmountable obstacles to Kroupa becoming an impact player.
Born in Most, Czechoslovakia, Kroupa excelled for two years with HC Litvinov then was chosen 45th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 1993. He split his first four pro seasons between the NHL and the minors. During this time he gained valuable international experience playing for the Czech Republic at the 1995 World Junior Championships.
The young blueliner played 35 games for the Sharks in 1996-97 then helped his country win the bronze medal at the 1997 World Championships. He was traded to the New Jersey Devils in August 1997 then played two games in '97-'98. By the end of the decade he was relegated to working on his game in the minors with the AHL's Albany River Rats and the Kansas City Blades of IHL. In 1999-00 he signed with the German club Moskitos Essen.
