Hockey: Jágr Russia bound

Russian hockey team Avangard Omsk has reported it signed a two-year deal with a one-year option with Czech star Jaromír Jágr, a day after the NHL’s New York Rangers announced they had given up on the player and signed Markus Naslund in his stead. The departure marks the end of an era for Jágr: he spent 17 seasons in the NHL, winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He finished atop the player’s standings five times, and also won the Hart Trophy. Jágr has played for Russia’s Omsk before: he led the team to victory in the European Super Six in 2004/2005 during the NHL lockout.