Fan Support 'a Game-Changer' for Tomáš Landa, Returns for 13th AIHL Season

Evergreen forward Tomáš Landa will return to the Bing Lee Sydney Bears for the 2026 Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) season.

"I’m excited to re‑sign for my 10th season with the Bears," Landa remarked. "It’s incredible to see how far the organisation has come since my first season in 2007, and playing at the new rink is a great step forward for the club. I’m looking forward to a strong season ahead.”

"Tommy is synonymous with the Sydney Bears," Sydney Bears Director of Hockey Operations Nathan Graham declared.

"Entering his 10th season with us and a favourite with everyone, the club just looks right with Landa around. I’m sure the fans will be excited to see #24 entertaining at Macquarie for another year."

Landa’s elite offensive production has already secured his status as a legend of the league, earning 418 points (166G, 252A) in his AIHL career.

With 243 regular-season games played over 12 seasons, Landa needs to play just seven more games to reach 250 AIHL games. 194 of those games were played in a Bears uniform.

The 2024 season with the Bears was Landa’s most productive points-wise in more than a decade, as he racked up 46 points (17G, 29A) in 24 games. Landa turned 41 during that campaign, proving that age is just a number.

Landa's longevity has been fueled by support from the best fans in the league in the Bears Den. 

"I still think back to that moment three years ago," Landa recalled. "It was our third or fourth last game of the season, and suddenly we were playing in front of sold‑out crowds."

"At the time, I was right on the edge of retirement, but seeing those full stands changed everything for me. Playing for the people who show up, who fill the seats and bring the energy — that’s a game‑changer.

"I’m really hoping we see those stands full again," Landa concluded.

Tomáš Landa has established himself as the quintessential teammate both on and off the ice. "When you think passion, work ethic, skillset, motivation to win and just a relentless approach to what we do, Tommy is all of that, every day," Graham continued.

"We’ve already said it a lot this offseason, but these pro-level qualities drive the right frequency in the group and again, can only benefit our younger guys, in particular. Tommy is as passionate about the success of others as he is about his own game."

Guarantee your spot at Macquarie Ice Rink to cheer on Landa and the rest of the Sydney Bears by selecting one of our 2026 season passes that suits you.