It’s a dark day in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins announced Thursday morning that a shipment of Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads was stolen in California, spoiling the team’s promotional giveaway for their game against the Sharks.
“We were shocked to be a victim of cargo theft, and we are working closely with local and federal authorities on the investigation,” Penguins President of Business Operations Kevin Acklin said in a statement.
“While this unfortunate incident adds to the legend of Jaromir Jagr, who will be in attendance as our guest at tonight’s game, we look forward to resolving this theft and delivering the prized Jagr bobbleheads to their rightful homes, with our fans.”
The club will instead give fans a voucher that will allow them to pick up the item at a later date.
The Penguins celebrated Jagr last month in a ceremony where he was joined by teammates from the 1991 and ’92 Stanley Cup-winning teams.
“To be here with you, hearing the cheers, I don’t even have to score. That’s beautiful. That never gets old,” Jagr said in a pregame speech before a 2-1 loss to the Kings.
“But I’m honored. I’m honored that Pittsburgh Penguins owners, Pittsburgh Penguins organization, and Kevin Acklin have decided to retire my jersey, No. 68.
“I believe the connection between me and Pittsburgh started a long time ago. I always believe in God, and I always believe in a higher power, and I always believed whatever you wish for is gonna happen. When I was young, I was watching the TV, and there was one guy totally dominating the game, and he was better than the rest of them. Since that game, he became my idol. I wanted to be like him. I make a wish. I wish one day, we play together.
“Yes, it was Mario Lemieux. And it happened, 1990. I got drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins, thanks to Craig Patrick and Scotty Bowman, all the scouts. They put a great team together, all the superstars, all the legends. We were playing such great hockey, and at the end of the year, we won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. It was probably the greatest thing to happen to me.”
Jagr still plays for a team he owns in his native Czech Republic.
“The major issue is that (playing) is more demanding physically at my age,“ Jagr told The Associated Press when asked about the challenges of playing at 52 years old.
“If you want to play at a certain level you have to prepare, go to training, and the process of recovery is much longer.”
