Jagr moves a game to aid Ukraine refugees
Contest relocated to large arena in Prague to increase event’s revenue
Former Penguins star Jaromir Jagr is using his platform to help the people of Ukraine.
Last week, Jagr announced that the team he owns and plays for, Kladno, will move its final regularseason game Tuesday from a 5,200-seat arena in Chomutov, Czech Republic, to an 18,000-plus seat arena in Prague. Ticket revenue from the larger arena will benefit Ukrainian families displaced by the Russian invasion who are seeking asylum in the Czech Republic.
On Tuesday morning, Jagr made another plea for help. He tweeted a QR code for people to buy virtual tickets to support refugees.
“The last 10 days, the world has changed,” Jagr said in the video. “Thousands and thousands of people are leaving Ukraine just to survive. Me, as the owner of a hockey club and still an active player in the game, we’ve organized a hockey game in Prague for 18,000 people.
“But we need more help. That’s why I’m asking you.”
The NHL was one of the entities that joined the campaign, pledging $68,000. The gesture was a nod to Jagr’s No. 68 which he wore throughout his NHL career
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to recognize 1968, the year Soviet tanks stormed into Czechoslovakia to quell the Prague Spring insurgency that had temporarily brought social reform.
“Tonight we salute your generous heart and commitment to improve the lives of those displaced from their homes,” commissioner Gary Bettman said in a video. “The National Hockey League is proud to support you and the great Czech fans in this effort.”
400 for Rust
On the brink of a milestone, Bryan Rust reflected on how it all began.
“First game was in Columbus,” Rust said. “I didn’t play very much. I think I got a four-minute penalty. I tried to get a fight. Tried to get that five-minute major, but couldn’t quite get it.”
Since that moment on Dec. 13, 2014, when a 22-yearold prospect made his NHL debut, Rust has racked up just a few more penalty minutes … 132 to be exactly. But, as he gets set for his 400th career game, all the other stats are the ones that stand out.
Rust began his career as a bottom-six role player who earned his minutes as an energy guy who wasn’t afraid to block shots or race for loose pucks. As his career unfolded, Rust has ascended up the depth chart to reach his spot on Sidney Crosby’s right wing by adding an offensive side to that grinder mentality. Coach Mike Sullivan has often noted that few players he has coached or played alongside have evolved offensively in such a profound way as Rust, who has racked up 118 goals and 137 assists in his first 399 games.
“For me, it’s been a real rewarding experience to watch Rusty grow both as a player as a person,” Sullivan said. “He’s really turned himself into a really good player in this league.
“His on-ice play speaks for itself and what he’s accomplished in the time that he’s been here … I just think he’s a great person. He’s a really driven athlete. He works extremely hard at his game. He’s a great teammate off the ice.”
In 35 games this season, Rust has racked up 18 goals and 25 assists. His 1.23 points per game rank 14th best in the league.
“Every time you hit a milestone like this, you kind of look back,” Rust said. “It’s gone by pretty quick. But it’s been a fun ride and I’m hoping there’s a lot more coming.”
It remains to be seen where that next milestone will come. As Rust plays out the final year of a deal that carries a $3.5 million cap hit, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
According to sources, the two sides have not had recent discussions about a possible extension. While Rust would prefer to continue playing in Pittsburgh, it appears the real — and possibly challenging — negotiations will unfold this summer.
Teddy in the dot
After 16 games on the shelf with a broken jaw, Teddy Blueger was activated from injured reserve Tuesday and rejoined the lineup in his normal spot. His addition should help spark the penalty kill and provide stability as the anchor of a shutdown checking line.
Another key area he has been missed? The face-off circle.
Known as a workaholic, Blueger has continually added new elements to his game. This season, his faceoff numbers have taken a sizable jump forward. Through his first three years in the NHL, Blueger never won more than 48.7% of his draws in a season. This year, he’s at 54.8%.
Blueger credited the work he has done with Matt Cullen, a former Penguin who now works on the player development side, for diversifying his toolbox.
“He’s the biggest difference,” Blueger said. “He was a similar type player to me. We’re the same size, same shot. Some of the stuff that he did with in the face-off circle has worked pretty well for me so far.”
Blueger said he has adapted his face- off approach with subtle positioning changes, techniques like tying players up and incorporating different moves for right-handers vs left-handers.
“Before I think I just tried to do basically the same thing every time and if it wasn’t working, I just didn’t have it,” Blueger said. “This way, I can try something else.”