In a special fireside chat held at the Rivers Casino ballroom on Friday, Pittsburgh Penguins legend Jaromir Jagr opened up about his journey in professional hockey, ahead of the much-anticipated 'Celebrate 68' festivities. Joined by former teammates Kevin Stevens, Phil Bourque, and Jay Caufield, as well as TV and radio personality Paul Steigerwald, Jagr delighted the audience with fascinating stories and heartfelt insights into his time with the Penguins.

The conversation touched on various topics, but certain stories stood out. Bourque shared a heartwarming tale of visiting Jagr in Czechia, where he helped the legendary forward realize the immense love that Pittsburgh fans have for him. Jagr acknowledged this sentiment and expressed both gratitude and anxiety about his No. 68 jersey retirement ceremony, emphasizing that he never played for trophies and never expected such an honor. However, he acknowledged the immense joy he experienced playing the game he loved, and the gratitude he felt towards his parents for their support in his hockey journey.

Steigerwald brought up the significance of Jagr's jersey hanging alongside the iconic No. 66 of his idol, Mario Lemieux. Jagr fondly recalled watching a game between Russia and Canada in 1985, where Lemieux's performance inspired him to aspire to play alongside the legendary forward. His wish came true in 1990 when he joined the Penguins and had the opportunity to learn and compete alongside his idol.

The conversation also touched on Jagr's decision to come to Pittsburgh. He clarified that while he did tell three teams that he would join the army, he had a meeting with Philadelphia and would have gone there had GM Bobby Clarke not been fired right before the draft. He expressed surprise that the Flyers did not select him and attributed his eventual selection by the Penguins to fate.

Jagr reminisced about his early days with the Penguins, not knowing much English and feeling unsure about how he would fit in. He praised the patience and support he received from teammates like Bryan Trottier, who helped him overcome the language barrier both on and off the ice.

The discussion also highlighted the intense work ethic and hunger for success that Jagr possessed throughout his career. Bourque marveled at Jagr's insatiable drive to be the best and his ability to maintain that hunger, even at an older age. Jagr credited his motivation to prove doubters wrong and drew inspiration from Michael Jordan's documentary, "The Last Dance," which motivated him to push his limits.

The talk concluded with a discussion about Jagr's departure from the Penguins after winning his fourth straight scoring title. Jagr explained that his decision to be traded was influenced by the uncertainty surrounding his teammates' contract negotiations and his desire to alleviate the financial pressure on the team. He acknowledged that the transition to other teams was challenging, but ultimately believes that everything happens for a reason.

As Jagr prepared for the highly anticipated jersey retirement ceremony, he expressed deep appreciation for the city of Pittsburgh and the people who supported him throughout his career. Reflecting on his time in the NHL, Jagr emphasized the importance of perseverance and the belief that great things can come after enduring hardships.

Sunday's sold-out ceremony promises to be a memorable event as Pittsburgh fans come together to honor one of the greatest players in franchise history. Jagr's impact on the Penguins and the sport of hockey will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.