End of an Ice Hockey Era: Jaromír Jágr Signals Retirement

One of the greatest careers in ice hockey history appears to be drawing to a close. Jaromír Jágr has hinted in an online interview that he is unlikely to return to the ice.

An era in international ice hockey could be coming to a definitive end. The legendary Czech forward Jaromír Jágr suggested that fans will probably not see him on the ice again. In an interview on his Instagram account, the 54-year-old spoke openly about his sporting future – and sounded unusually final.

“People won’t see me on the ice again. Probably not. It would have to be a miracle,” said Jágr, who celebrated his 54th birthday on Sunday. With a wink, he added: “God would have to come, enter me, and make me 15 years younger.”

Foto: Rytíři Kladno | Facebook

The second-highest scorer in NHL history, behind Wayne Gretzky, played six games this season for his home club Rytíři Kladno in the Czech Extraliga. His most recent appearance came on 21 December in a 4-1 defeat in Liberec.

Speculation about a possible career end has followed the veteran for years. He has repeatedly spoken publicly about retiring – only to decide each time to play another season. As recently as summer 2024, he mentioned that the upcoming season could be his last. In the autumn, however, he was again in Kladno’s squad and made six appearances this season, registering one assist, including in the 8-3 defeat to Pardubice.

Whether this will truly be the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in ice hockey remains unclear. However, his words sound more like a farewell than a prelude to another comeback.

Rytíři Kladno www.rytirikladno.cz