Anna Jagr celebrates 80th birthday

Anna Jagr, the mother of Czech hockey legend Jaromír Jagr, has celebrated her 80th birthday. She is widely recognized in hockey circles by the nickname “Mama Jagr,” a title earned during her time in Pittsburgh.

In the early 1990s, Anna Jagr moved to the United States to support her son following his NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to accounts from Jaromír Jagr’s book, JÁ68, her presence was vital as the young player struggled with loneliness, language barriers, and homesickness.

During her time in Pittsburgh, she became a maternal figure not only to her son but also to his teammates, coaches, and partners. She was known for cooking traditional Czech meals, such as svíčková, for NHL players and staff, creating a sense of home for the Czech players in the United States.