Jágr training hard, has lost weight, aims to “play every game” this season

Last season, Jaromír Jágr played 15 regular-season games in the Czech Extraliga and then, after more than two months off, the 52-year-old legend played in three post-season games to help the Rytíři Kladno team he co-owns stay in the Extraliga.

In early June, Jágr hinted that the 2024-25 season would be his last as a player, but he would have to get into better shape. That’s what he’s done so far this off-season, hiring a personal trainer and skating with Roman Červenka, Martin Nečas and David Pastrňák.

“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.”

Kladno's first regular-season game, incidentally, is against Červenka and powerhouse Dynamo Pardubice.

On the subject of getting into shape, Jágr said, “Dropping the weight is going better than I expected. I’ve lost six or seven kilos (13-15 lbs), but I’m not telling you my exact weight – you'd be envious.”

He elaborated, “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.”

While Jágr the hockey player is a legend in his hometown of Kladno, Jágr the executive has come under fire for the way he’s managed the team, with many fans feeling that he’s a little too stingy when it comes to building a roster. The team barely managed to stay in Czechia’s top league last season and its lack of depth was challenged when injuries hit – which is what forced Jágr’s return to the lineup.

When questioned about it, Jágr fired back at the fans a bit.

“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.”