Jágr slams players who cried off from hockey worlds

The Czech ice hockey star Jaromír Jágr has criticized experienced players who refused to play for the national side at the World Championship in Germany. After a shock defeat to Norway on Tuesday, the 38-year-old said they should bear in mind that when they themselves were younger it was the success of older players that helped them reach the NHL. Jágr – who was the Czechs’ best player in Tuesday’s game – said those who had cried off ought to examine their consciences. Around two dozen NHL players declared themselves unavailable. The Czech Republic’s next game is against Sweden on Thursday evening.