Jagr History Lesson

For many reasons, Jaromir Jagr holds a special place in the hockey hearts of the Stewart/Ziegler family. First of all, he is Ruby's (JJ's grandmother) favorite player. If Ruby loves him, who is to argue? Hockey hair and all she has loved him from the start. Second, his incessant whining in his early years in the NHL helped coin the phrase "Jagr-ing". Most parents tell there kids to "Stop whining" or "Stop being a baby" or "Behave". In our house, it was "Stop Jagr-ing". Finally, I discovered Jagr and I actually had something in common. We both like to gamble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

During the annual Girls Trip to Vegas in the Spring of 2003, Becky and I were watching the Ducks beat the Stars in the sportsbook at the MGM Grand. Brigitte and Shay were gambling away on there favorite slot machines. Not feeling lucky at her current machine, Brigitte decided to take a walk and find a new one. Much to her surprise she ended up walking right behind Jaromir Jagr. Being the sly girl she is, she let him pass her. Then, of course, she followed him. He ended up in the high rollers lounge. Being the kick ass friend she is, she RAN (yes Brigitte RAN) to the sportsbook to tell me the jackpot she had scored. The mission was simple. We had to get an autograph for Ruby. Hello this was Ruby's FAVORITE player! So armed with a pen I headed into the high rollers lounge where I found good 'ol #68 munching at the buffet. Five minutes later I had not one but TWO autographs - "Ruby - Best wishes, Jaromir Jagr #68" and "To JJ - Best wishes, Jaromir Jagr #68". MGM Grand cocktail napkins are good for more than just cocktails. Jagr was funny when I asked for the second autograph for my JJ. He asked me "What is his name?" I replied, "JJ". He said "J J just like me!" I responded, "Yes, just like you. Or course!" With the goods in hand, I ran out of the high rollers lounge and immediately called Ruby. It was welll past midnight in Salt Lake City but this couldn't wait until morning. I told her about the autograph as I tears rolled down my face. I know I am a total dork. But hey, if you know Ruby, you know she deserves the world.

Check out JJ's autograph!!