Pens Labyrinth
Fansided

Pittsburgh Penguins: Great Player Names of the 2000’s

By Samual Campbell

2002 Season: Dariusz Kasparaitis fires. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
2002 Season: Dariusz Kasparaitis fires. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
American hockey player Mike Richter, goalkeeper for the New York Rangers, stops a shot by Czech player Jaromir Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins during a game at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
American hockey player Mike Richter, goalkeeper for the New York Rangers, stops a shot by Czech player Jaromir Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins during a game at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

Here we are, the best of the best. I present the greatest hockey names sported by a Pittsburgh Penguin during the 2000’s.

F Jaromir Jagr

(Yar-O-Meer, Yaw-Gur)
806 GP, 1079 Points 593 PIMs 1990-2001

Although the name was often partially covered by a man-mane (pictured above), it’s one that is synonymous with 90 Penguins hockey. Jaromir Jagr’s sharp name mirrors his aggressive offensive prowess. It also never hurts when your name is an anagram for MARIO JR.

F Rob Klinkhammer

10 GP, 3 Points  0 PIMs 2014-2015

“The Colonel” stopped by for a short stint with the Penguins before being flipped to Edmonton for David Perron in the same year. Klinkhammer made use of his wonderful surname in 2015 when he named his newborn son: Gunnar Knox Klinkhammer.

F Ziggy Palffy

42 GP, 42 Points, 12 PIMs 2005-2006

The only other ‘Ziggy’s I know are Bob Marley’s son and that weird cartoon with the big nose. However that helps your case when you’re trying to make a list of this caliber. A name this unique stands out above the rest.

D Darius Kasparaitis

(Casper-Itis)
405 GP, 83 Points, 661 PIMs 1996-2002

This aggressive d-man just has one of those names that flows. Kasparaitis aka ‘friendly ghost disease’, represented his Lithuanian heritage with pride while blocking shots and throwing body checks.

D Jiri Slegr

(Yeeri, Slay-Gur)
252 GP, 86 Points, 337 PIMs 1997-2001

Another Czech makes the list. Mike Lange’s gravely voice reciting players names has a way of burning itself into your brain, and Slegr was no exception. While his name isn’t on the depth any more, he is listed as a Chamber Deputy in the Czech Republican government.

G Ron Tugnutt

7 GP, 2.40 GAA, .924 SV% 2000

Low hanging fruit. But like Dick Butkus, even an embarrassing name doesn’t look bad when it’s on the sweater of your favorite sports team.

More from All-Time Lists

Home/All-Time Lists