"I think it was 875 girls": When Jaromir Jagr's 1992 Stanley Cup winning teammate recalled lopsided female presence at Penguins legend's birthday

Jaromir Jagr was not just known for his immense commitment and dedication to the game of hockey but also for his eccentric off-field life. A heartthrob of the city of Pittsburgh, where he played most of his NHL career, Jagr threw occasional lavish celebrations.

Rick Tocchet, his teammate for three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, recalled one of those parties. Speaking during Jagr's Pens jersey retirement ceremony in February, the current Vancouver Canucks coach detailed a birthday party hosted by Jagr that had 900 guests, 875 of whom were women.

“We had some guys who were married, so they didn’t go to it. I was single at the time, and I went,” Tocchet said. “I remember, I think it was a sports café – there must have been 900 people at his birthday party, and I think it was 875 girls." [18:55]

Rick Tocchet and Jaromir Jagr spent three seasons together in the early 1990s in Pittsburgh. They helped the team win a Stanley Cup in 1992. After Tocchet left the organization, they faced off against each other in the NHL and later in numerous international matchups between Team Canada and Team Czechia.

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Rick Tocchet commends Jaromir Jagr's immense work ethic

Tocchet also spoke about how Jaromir Jagr put in the hard work daily during the morning skates, appreciating his one-on-one abilities.

“The Pittsburgh fan base and the city, they love the athlete that works hard,” Tocchet said. “Obviously, they love the skill. But I think Jags coming in, the way he worked, one of the best corner guys ever seen coming out with the puck – I think that's why the fans loved him. I know he had the long hair, and the girls loved him.

"But his work ethic and just his elite skill together makes him a perfect hockey player.”

Jaromir Jagr scored 439 goals and 1,079 points for the Penguins in the eleven seasons he played with the club. He won the Art Ross trophy five teams with the team, leading the league in points for four consecutive seasons from 1998 to 2001.

The legendary winger is also a symbol of longevity in the sport of hockey. After retiring from the NHL, he continued to play in his home country of Czechia. At 52 years old, he announced his retirement earlier this season.