“This is what I did all my life”: Jaromir Jagr opens up about his passion for hockey & joy of skating at 52

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Oct 05, 2024 04:00 GMT

At 52, Jaromir Jagr still enjoys playing professional hockey. He plays for Kladno, a team he owns in the Czech Extraliga. Many expect him to retire, but Jagr hasn't yet, as his goal is to keep being the best player he can be.

Jagr’s passion for hockey was clear during the 2024 NHL Global Series. He dropped the ceremonial puck before the New Jersey Devils faced the Buffalo Sabres. Fans cheered for him as he stood between Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and Devils forward Ondrej Palat, a fellow Czech. For Jaromir Jagr, though, the real highlight will be playing for Kladno against Karlovy Vary on Sunday.

Jagr’s bond with hockey is deeply personal. He started playing at three, and the rink has always been his place of peace. Like his late father, who farmed because it made him happy, Jagr skates for the pure love of the game and not for records or awards.

"This is what I did all my life since I was 3 years old," Jagr said (via NHL.com). "I don't mind to go there (to the rink). It's my arena. If nobody is there, I'll go there."

This season, Jaromir Jagr has played in all seven of Kladno's games, registering a goal and an assist. Last season was tough for him, as he struggled with his weight, reaching 270 pounds. Over the summer, he lost 30 pounds and returned to his NHL playing weight. Now, he’s enjoying the game again.

Although Jaromir Jagr is still playing, he hasn’t thought much about his future. If there’s one place he feels connected to, it's the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won two Stanley Cups in the early 1990s. The Penguins retired his No. 68 in February 2024, securing his legacy. While there have been talks of a future role with the team, Jagr insists it must bring him happiness.

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Will Jaromir Jagr's love for hockey keep him from the Hall of Fame?

Despite his passion for hockey, Jagr has no plans to return to the NHL. His 24-season career in the league left him with the second-highest point total in league history, behind only Wayne Gretzky. Jagr is proud of those accomplishments, but he’s satisfied with the career he has had.

"I had a great run. That was a great life,” he said.

By continuing to play, Jaromir Jagr delays his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, but he doesn’t mind.

“That’s OK,” he added, explaining that happiness comes first.

Jagr will keep playing as long as he finds joy in it, as for him, it’s all about his love for the game.