Jaromir Jagr arrived as a star for the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1994-95 National Hockey League (NHL) season. Injuries forced the Penguins' captain and superstar, the remarkable Mario Lemieux, to miss the entire season. Jagr, who had played in the shadow of his more famous teammate, had his chance to shine. He took advantage of the opportunity, tying for the NHL scoring title and becoming a team leader. Lemieux returned for two seasons, then retired, leaving Jagr as the undisputed top Penguin star.

Growing up

Looking for the truth

Jaromir Jagr (YAR-ah-meer YAH-guhr) was born February 15, 1972, in Kladno, Czechoslovakia. His father, Jaromir, was a coal mine administrator. His mother's name is Anna. Jagr grew up under the Communist government of Czechoslovakia. He relied on his grandmother, Jarmila, to tell him the truth about his country's history. Jagr's grandfather, also named Jaromir, had his farm taken away when the...