Jágr: Everyone won! The whole world knows this match took place, which is the most

Are you relieved that everything worked out in the end?

It was a very difficult four days of preparation. I got an idea, I called Karel Pražák (owner of Sparta), Sparta and Kladno got together and did an incredible job. It’s one thing to come up with something, but then it has to work out. I would like to thank all the people who took part in this event. Although the score shows that one team won and the other lost, today everyone won.

Even the spectators who created a beautiful atmosphere …

The atmosphere was great. That was mainly the reason people came and understood that today was played for someone other than the two teams. I was a little worried about the situation if one or both teams had something else in the match. If we were still playing to avoid play and Sparta was still fighting for the top four, the coaches and managers might not be very excited about my idea. Because you really can’t just focus on hockey. In the end, it turned out well, because regardless of the result, both teams could no longer move anywhere in the table.

What did you say to the choreo of fans in the first period, when the spectators in the lower ring of the hall raised yellow and blue foils over their heads and created the Ukrainian flag?

Even if you think it’s a bit of an exhibition, you still have to focus on hockey. I noticed some things, but it wasn’t like I was still looking up at the dice.

Have you been pleased that the global media, including overseas, is reporting on your idea?

Of course, when the whole event started to organize, we didn’t think it could be that big. We hoped that at least 10,000 fans would come. We were pressed by time, we were told that playing on Tuesday in Prague at 5.20 pm is very difficult, that people are still working at that time. A lot of things went against us, but I’m glad the fans understood the message we were trying to tell them. So we want to help when it comes to.

Did it reassure you to see the tickets fade quickly before the match?

I believed from the beginning that they would sell. We must not forget that there has always been a rivalry between Kladno and Sparta, often it was almost full. To this was added what we have been dealing with for the last 13 days (the war in Ukraine).

What did you say to NHL boss Gary Bettman to support your event with $ 68,000, or $ 1.6 million?

Of course, that’s a great gesture. Personally, I have to make a video and thank the whole NHL. Not only for the amount, but also for promoting the match. I think every hockey fan in America, Canada and around the world knows that this match took place. Maybe it’s more than the money that came.

Was it difficult to combine the role of action manager and player?

It was not crucial for me to show a great performance here. It was more important for me to help organize the event. I’m glad it turned out. It’s a victory for me.

Probably your personality strength worked again …

I more or less don’t deal with that. One can always help in a certain way. I could help by reminding people that something could happen. I’ll advertise it, others have to work it out.

How do you perceive the war in Ukraine?

I am very sorry to see those people fleeing Ukraine. They take one bag, mothers and children say goodbye to their dads, who go to fight and don’t even know if they’ll ever see their family again. And the refugees are going out with the world taking care of them. That was the reason we played this match today.

Did you defend Russians living in the Czech Republic on Instagram? Do you feel an increasing aggression against them?

I rather read it. I was sorry, I am of Orthodox faith. There are a lot of Ukrainians and Russians in our church, and I don’t see any problem.

You have been close to Russia in the past, mainly because of your two engagements in Omsk. Have you been disappointed by Russia’s current position?

Another question, please. I do not want to answer.