Major turnaround for Jaromir Jagr and his hockey career

«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.»

«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.»

«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.»