Penguins fans were able to witness the nostalgic return of Jaromir Jagr to the ice before his jersey retirement. The esteemed former star of the Pittsburgh Penguins made a comeback on Saturday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Pittsburgh. At 52 years old, Jagr participated in a practice session with the team, preparing for the upcoming jersey retirement ceremony scheduled for Sunday. The practice drew significant attention, with the complex bustling with Penguins fans eager to see Jagr back on the ice.
During the practice, many Penguins players paid tribute to Jagr by wearing mullet wigs, reminiscent of his iconic hairstyle during his tenure with the team. Sunday’s “Celebrate 68 game” is poised to be a tribute to the legendary hockey player, commemorating his profound impact on Pittsburgh and the sport as a whole.
The highlight of the event will be the raising of a No. 68 banner to the rafters of PPG Paints Arena. However, before this, the legend once again skated up and showed the fans that he still has the skills.
Leading up to the ceremony, Pittsburgh Mayor and Allegheny County Executive officially declared Sunday as “Jaromir Jagr Day” in a ceremony at Pittsburgh City Hall. Jagr, recognized for his immense contributions to the city, was presented with a proclamation by Gainey, underscoring his enduring legacy in Pittsburgh.
Jaromir Jagr’s bond with Pittsburgh is deeply rooted and complex, reflective of his illustrious career. Selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the fifth overall pick in the 1990 NHL Draft, Jagr spent his formative 11 seasons with the team, capturing the hearts of the city with his remarkable talent and charismatic presence.
Despite later stints with other teams, Jagr’s return to Pittsburgh for the jersey retirement ceremony symbolizes a significant moment in his career. He has now opened up about being “honored” to have his No. 68 jersey retired by the team.
Expressing his sentiments ahead of the ceremony, Jagr revealed mixed emotions, acknowledging the tumultuous journey since his departure from Pittsburgh in 2001. Despite any apprehensions, he conveyed profound gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him, recognizing the significance of the occasion.
Jagr joins the esteemed ranks of Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby as one of the few Penguins players to have their numbers retired, underscoring his enduring impact on the franchise.
Reflecting on his storied career, Jagr mused on the fleeting nature of fame in professional sports, emphasizing the timeless significance of his jersey retirement. His influence transcends generations, with players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl citing him as a source of inspiration and admiration. Jagr’s dedication to the game and unparalleled work ethic have left an indelible mark on the hockey community, ensuring his legacy endures beyond his playing years.
According to the Source firstsportz.com