Major turnaround for Jaromir Jagr and his hockey career
Jarom�r Jágr, the iconic 52-year-old hockey star, is gearing up for what he hints could be his final season with Ryt�ři Kladno in the Czech Extraliga.
After a brief hiatus, Jágr has returned to intense training to ensure he's in top shape for the 2024-25 season.
In a recent interview with iSport.cz's Patrik Czepiec, Jágr revealed he's taking a different approach this offseason.
«For the last five years, I haven't done anything in the summer and started getting myself ready in November or December,» he said in an interview with iSport.cz's Patrik Czepiec. «This time it's different. I still have almost two months of training ahead of me, so I'll see how I do. At the moment, I am not thinking specifically about the first game of the season, but I want to play every game. I'm going to train full time.»
Jágr's off-season efforts include working with a personal trainer and skating with fellow Czech stars Roman Červenka, Martin Nečas, and David Pastrňák. His commitment to fitness is evident as he reports having lost six to seven kilos (13-15 lbs), though he playfully keeps his exact weight a secret, suggesting fans might be envious.
As Jágr approaches his final season, the first game for Kladno will be against Červenka and Dynamo Pardubice. Jágr has emphasized that dropping weight has been going better than expected, but he's focused on maintaining muscle and overall strength.
«I don't want to lose muscle, but according to the measurements I've lost at least five kilos of fat, which is important to me. But I have also seen players who are fat and still score goals. Of course, in good shape you feel better and are less tired. It's about having the strength.»
Despite his legendary status in Kladno, Jágr's dual role as a player and executive has attracted criticism. Some fans have voiced concerns about his management of the team, particularly regarding roster depth and handling of injuries last season. Jágr responded to these criticisms by defending his approach.
«Anyone who's never been in a hockey dressing room doesn't really understand, because every fan wishes there were five or six lines here,» he said. «But then it's not pleasant in the dressing room when there are players who know they won't play. Chemistry and balance are important. I don't know how many of the fans have played team sports, but there is a certain rivalry within the team. The mood has to remain positive, everything must fit together.»
As the new season looms, Jágr's dedication and preparation will be crucial for Kladno as they aim to maintain their status in the top league. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the veteran forward's final season unfolds.
Credit: The Hockey News
Jágr training hard, has lost weight, aims to «play every game» this season
| POLL |
JUILLET 26 | 90 ANSWERS Major turnaround for Jaromir Jagr and his hockey career Will Jarom�r Jágr make a significant impact in his final season with Ryt�ři Kladno? |
| Yes | 53 | 58.9 % |
| No | 37 | 41.1 % |
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