Blackhawks star faces boyhood idol in Stanley Cup Finals
It’s not every day that you get to play your childhood hero in the biggest series of your life. Come to think of it, that may never have happened in any sport before. It will happen for Michael Frolik of the Chicago Blackhawks as he prepares to face Jaromir Jagr and the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Growing up, Frolik was overpowered by Jagr’s shadow as both men hail from the same town in Czechoslovakia. Jagr was 16 years Frolik’s senior, and already preparing for a long professional career when Frolik was born. The town worshipped the young hockey star, and Frolik was not exempt.
“(Jagr) was from (the) same hometown. When I was little, he was a big star at home, for sure he was my idol,” Frolik said.
Fast-forward a couple decades and both men are facing each other as the Bruins and Blackhawks continue their quest for the Cup in one final series. While it’s yet to be determined whether it will head to Chicago or to Boston, Frolik is happy knowing that his hometown and home country will be represented either way. Along with Bruins’ David Krejci, his home is well represented.
“Right now we know the Cup will be going to my hometown, so that’s a good thing,” Frolik said. “I know Jagr and Krejci, I played with Krejci in (juniors) one year in the same line so I’m very familiar with him and I know he’s a very good skill player.”
Once the jitters settle down in the first few minutes of the reunion both teams will get to work as they have fought their way this far and are ready to play. The Blackhawks will be a formidable opponent to the Bruins, and you can bet that Frolik will be at his best as he hopes to impress his boyhood idol.
