Flyers Camp: Jagr talks Flyers-Penguins rivalry

Saturday, 09.17.2011 / 4:14 PM | Mike G. Morreale  - NHL.com Staff Writer
VOORHEES, N.J. -- So what does Jaromir Jagr remember most about the Philadelphia Flyers-Pittsburgh Penguins rivalry when he played for 11 seasons in the Steel City?

"I remember I always had a tough time to play," Jagr told the media following the opening day of Flyers training camp at the Virtua Flyers Skate Zone on Saturday. "Nobody wanted to play the Flyers back then. You knew it was going to hurt to play against them -- that's what I remember. They had the big guys and they always drafted strong guys who played physical."

Jagr was asked if he feels he betrayed the fans of Pittsburgh by signing a one-year contract with the rival Flyers.

"First of all, when I was making the decision, I never thought the Pittsburgh fans would want me back," he said. "Every time I played there and touched the puck, they were booing me … I didn't think it was going to be such a big deal if I'm not going to sign with Pittsburgh.

"On the other side, it was my decision. I've only been a free agent twice and I had to do what is best for me. If I hurt somebody, I apologize because I didn't want to, but I don't understand why people can be that mad about my decision."
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