Road to Sochi - Episode 5

When Jaromir Jagr joined the Bruins this spring to improve chances for another Stanley Cup, a childhood dream came true for B's forward David Krejci. Now they're reunited to bring back the first gold medal for the Czechs since 1998.

Veteran leadership will be one of the key factors for a Czech Team which is loaded with talent at every position. The team is lead by guys like Triple Gold Club member Jaromir Jagr, 37-year old Patrick Elias, former NHL-Star Defender Tomás Kaberle or Veteran goalie Tomás Vokoun.

Nevertheless David Krejci has yet proven that he's the man who raises hope for future success with an aging national team.  He led the NHL in scoring during two of the last three playoffs showing up in situations where his team needed it most. Just like on the B's roster Krejci is supposed to get the first-line center position alongside his idol Jaromir Jagr and young winger Jakub Voracek.

The pride of his small hometown Šternberk has made an name for himself in the NHL, since last appearing on the Olympic team in 2010. Besides winning the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, he has earned himself the job as Assistant Captain this year with near-constant performances. 

It's often been said that "playoffs are the time to shine" for David Krejci, but that just ignores the fact that he's finished in the top 3 of B's scoring list in the last five regular seasons. His playmaking skills are just as important as his ability to backcheck consistently, making him one of the best two-way players in today's NHL. 

While Krejci is still making his way to be a Czech legend one day, Jaromir Jagr has already achieved that. The two time Stanley Cup winner is ranked 8th in scoring points all time, sitting just 5 points behind former teammate and NHL Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux. Since winning the Cup in 1992 it took Jagr 21 years to return to the finals this spring, where the B's lost to the Hawks in 6 games. 

Still it was a great experience for Jagr and Krejci, who said that he never thought he'd have the chance to play with his idol on a real team other than a National one.

Last time that happened was on the 2010 Czech Olympic team, which fell 2 - 0 to Finland in the quarterfinals.

His 5th Olympics will be the last big stage for Jaromir Jagr (on an International level) as he's likely to retire within the next two seasons. If you think the man who has already achieved everything is satisfied you've never paid attention to the 41-year olds work ethics. The national hero from hockey fanatic Kladno will work as hard as he ever did in order to bring home another medal.

For David Krejci it's the chance to show that he's not just one of the best forwards in the NHL but that he can also bring success to his National team, winning his first Olympic medal. There should be no doubt whatsoever that he has the ability to end his career as one of best Czechs ever and  join the Triple Gold Club alongside countrymen Jiri Slégr and his childhood hero Jaromir Jagr one day.