Sharks' Hertl models game after idol Jagr, cites similar posterior size
When the San Jose Sharks face off against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, Tomas Hertl will have the opportunity to play against countryman and boyhood idol Jaromir Jagr, whose NHL career began before the young Czech was even born.
Hertl, who admitted to plastering his bedroom with Jagr posters as a child, cited a certain physical attribute that helps him to model his game after one of the greats:
San Jose's Tomas Hertl on his idol Jaromir Jagr: "I try to play the same style because I have the same big ass."
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) October 18, 2014
"He's amazing and it's great to see how he plays at 42 years old. I still like the way he plays," Hertl added.
For what it's worth, Hertl is listed at 210 pounds while Jagr checks in at 230, albeit with 21 years of life experience in his back pocket.
In two games following a promising rookie season marred by injury, Hertl has scored two goals on six shots.
While he has a long way to go before matching Jagr's 1,757 career points, he's definitely shown he has the assets needed to be a successful player in the NHL.