(Cranberry Township) Jaromir Jagr put on the Pittsburgh Penguins vest for the first time in 22 years.
Wearing full gear, Jagr practiced with the Penguins at their practice facility Saturday morning in suburban Pittsburgh.
The 52-year-old Czech won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins, who drafted him fifth overall in 1990.
Sunday night, the Penguins will retire Jagr’s number 68 before their game against the Los Angeles Kings. This will be the third number retired by the team, after that of Michel Brière (21) and Mario Lemieux (66).
“When you think about the history of hockey, he’s one of the guys you’re always going to think of,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said of Jagr. The fact that he played here and had such an impact is incredible. We feel very lucky to be a part of it. »
Jagr joined Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kristopher Letang and the current Penguins team for the first time since July 2001, when the team’s financial situation led it to trade the star to the Washington Capitals.
Jagr still plays at the professional level. He is on his 36the season, now playing for his hometown team Kladno, Czech Republic.
In the NHL, the forward scored 766 goals and 1,921 points, second in history behind Wayne Gretzky. Jagr played for nine teams in 24 seasons.
“He’s a legend on the ice,” Malkin said. Growing up, I watched him play. I was excited to skate with him. These are beautiful memories. »
Jagr received a warm welcome upon his return to Pittsburgh on Saturday. The latter, once captain of the team, sat to Crosby’s left in the locker room. Jagr had his own place with a yellow plaque, where his number 68 was written.
Fans filled all 1,500 seats to see him once again with the team. He received a loud ovation when he put the skates on the ice.
Letang and goalkeeper Alexander Nedeljkovic had wigs reminiscent of Jagr’s ‘Longueuil cut’ style in the 1990s.
Letang also shared a unique moment with Jagr before the start of training.
“I’ve worn number 68 my whole life,” Letang said. He was one of my favorite players growing up. I asked him if he could sign my jersey tomorrow, because it will have his patch on it. I know it’s going to be a special day. »
Jagr stayed on the ice with the team for about fifteen minutes. Head coach Mike Sullivan said the Czech told him he didn’t want his presence on the ice to be a distraction for the Penguins, who are looking to move up the standings and into the playoffs.
Sullivan reassured Jagr that he was more of an inspiration to the players, the team and the organization.
“I know he has a lot of humility,” Sullivan said. It is an incredible honor to be part of the celebration of all his talent. It was exciting to have him on the ice with us. »