It’s time for Hockey Hall of Fame induction and we have a new class to announce. With the retirement of Mario Lemieux, the waiting has finally come to an end for the many fans who have been hoping to see Jaromir Jagr inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Although it’s been a long time coming, it’s finally happened and the Hockey Hall of Fame will always be grateful to the “Jagratator” for he has brought so much joy to so many during his time in the NHL.
Since Jagr first achieved stardom in the NHL during the 1990s, he has accomplished a great deal. Jagr scored over 500 goals during his time in the league, was named to four All-Star Games and won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer twice. Moreover, he is consistently one of the highest-scoring players in the history of the NHL, even at 39 years old.
These impressive stats alone would be enough to earn him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame, but it’s not only about his exceptional scoring record. During his time in the NHL, Jagr became well-known for the way he played the game. In addition to being a scoring champion, he was also named to Team Canada’s Olympic hockey squad in 2006 and helped the team win the Gold Medal.
However, not everyone who played during the 1990s is a fan of Jagr and many would argue that some of his moves were a little un-Hockey-like. For example, in a recent interview with Puck Daddy, Jagr’s former teammate and current commentator for the Devils, Jonny Brodzik, said this about the great scorer: “When he arrived in New Jersey, the coaches asked me if he was a good kid, and I said, ‘No, he’s not a good kid. He’s a really good hockey player, but he’s not a good kid.’”
Another former teammate, Kevin Dineen, says Jagr’s play was “borderline dirty” and even went as far to say that he “crossed the line” on a regular basis. Some have questioned whether or not Jagr is truly a good hockey player, or if he is just a flashy, overpaid superstar who is getting a kickback on all the money he makes in the NHL.
Even still, Jagr has continued to prove his worth to hockey fans around the world. Since retiring from the NHL, he has become a much-sought-after speaker and has made numerous appearances at charity events and at various hockey-related functions. Moreover, he has also become a major investor in hockey equipment companies, most notably, Bauer, whose equipment he has sponsored.
While Mario Lemieux and the Hockey Hall of Fame have decided to let bygones be bygones, those who doubted Jagr’s worth as a player or as an owner, can now bow down in awe at the greatness that is Jaromir Jagr. Moreover, as long as he keeps playing at a high level, we can expect to see more of Jaromir Jagr and his “Jagratator” logo, soon gracing the cover of a Hockey Hall of Fame card.