The Travelling Jagrs, a collection of wig-wearing hockey fans dedicated to all things Jaromir Jagr, descended on the city this weekend in the hope of taking in their namesake’s first game as a member of the Calgary Flames.
While their enthusiasm was slightly diminished after learning Jagr would not play in Saturday night’s home opener, the group was all smiles while securing freshly minted Calgary Flames’ jerseys bearing the 68 at the Sport Chek in Chinook Centre.
“It’s a big day,” said Tylor Keller, the Travelling Jagrs appointed spokesman. “Jagr isn’t playing but it will be a nice introduction to see him around the arena and get to see the fans. We’re pumped he signed and so should the rest of Calgary for that matter.”
The group, comprised of longtime friends who live throughout Alberta, have made their way to NHL arenas around North America to watch Jaromir Jagr hit the ice. The mulleted gang is difficult to miss as the members make their way through hockey crowds while wearing jerseys depicting the numerous teams Jagr has played for during his NHL career.
Keller applauds the Calgary Flames organization’s decision to ink the 45-year-old forward to a one-year deal earlier this week. The contract ended a nervous off-season for the group. “We’ve been waiting all summer for him to sign and we didn’t want to go to Korea,” said Keller of the possibility the 2018 Winter Olympic Games would have been their next chance to watch Jagr play in person. “We couldn’t believe that he hadn’t signed all summer. He was talking to different NHL teams.”
On Saturday morning, Flames’ head coach Glen Gulutzan said Jagr has been arguably one of the team’s best players during his first two practices with the squad but needs ‘a couple more days to get up to game speed’. Gulutzan added Jagr will be added to the lineup when the forward says he is ready.
