Jaromír Jágr is currently in his 36th professional season with Rytíři Kladno. At the age of 52, he took to the ice on Thursday and broke the record for the oldest professional hockey player by surpassing Gordie Howe’s mark. Jágr, who also owns and operates the Czech team, scored in a 7-2 win over VHK Vsetín in Game 2 of their playoff relegation series, giving Kladno a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Jágr’s career began with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990, and Thursday’s game was his 16th of the season after missing time due to injuries. During his recovery, he spent time in Pittsburgh participating in Mario Lemieux’s adult fantasy camp and had his No. 68 retired by the franchise. Despite achieving great success in the NHL, where he ranks second all-time in scoring and fourth in goals scored, Jágr has been playing intermittently with Kladno since leaving the Calgary Flames in 2018.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, including a planned bobblehead night being canceled after a shipment of giveaways was stolen during delivery while playing for the Calgary Flames, Jágr’s enduring career and continued success serve as a testament to his dedication and passion for the game of hockey.
