Jason Strudwick recalls Jagr paying him to escort girlfriend
Jason Strudwick shared on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast that Jaromir Jagr once gave him $1,000 to take Jagr's girlfriend out for a night. The arrangement happened while both played for the New York Rangers, and Strudwick said he kept a little money for his effort. Jagr's 2005-06 season with New York remains a franchise record for goals and points.
Strudwick said on Spittin’ Chiclets that Jagr preferred staying in while his girlfriend wanted to go out. Jagr handed Strudwick $1,000 so Strudwick and his wife could bring her along; the night included dinner, drinks, dancing, and a ride home. Strudwick phoned Jagr on the way back, and the arrangement recurred. He kept some money for himself.
Both were Rangers teammates. Jagr’s 2005-06 totals—54 goals and 123 points—remain New York’s single-season records, and he later served as captain. Strudwick spent over a decade in the NHL with six clubs before moving into Edmonton broadcasting. Jagr is second all-time in points behind Wayne Gretzky and kept playing professionally in Czech Republic into his 50s.
This anecdote may mostly affect hockey fans and media consumers by adding to Jagr’s larger-than-life reputation and fueling nostalgia for his Rangers era. It could also shape how athletes’ off-ice stories circulate online, where humorous teammate tales often travel faster than statistical achievements. For Strudwick, it may reinforce his role as an engaging broadcaster and storyteller. The broader impact is likely cultural and entertainment-focused rather than societal in a major way.