A shipment of Pittsburgh Penguins bobbleheads was stolen in a brazen California cargo theft right before a game day giveaway.
Pittsburgh Penguins bobbleheads missing ahead of game
The team was forced to announce that their Jaromir Jagr bobblehead giveaway was cancelled due to the entire shipment being stolen in transit.
Fans at PPG Paints Arena were slated to received the Jagr souvenirs during Thursday night’s game against the San Jose Sharks, but the team had to break the bad news in a statement that morning.
The Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads for tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks has been stolen after its arrival in California,” the Penguins announced in a statement.
“As a result, the bobbleheads are not in Pittsburgh and will not be distributed at tonight’s game, but will be distributed at a later date.”
The team found out that the they had been “victims of cargo theft” after the truck carrying the Jagr figurines did not arrive to the arena on schedule.
#JagrWatch 🫡 pic.twitter.com/dyz64u0QyM
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 14, 2024
“We were shocked to be a victim of cargo theft, and we are working closely with local and federal authorities on the investigation” Penguins President of Business Operations Kevin Acklin remarked.
“While this unfortunate incident adds to the legend of Jaromir Jagr, who will be in attendance as our guest at tonight’s game, we look forward to resolving this theft and delivering the prized Jagr bobbleheads to their rightful homes, with our fans.”
Pittsburgh Penguins bobbleheads honor legendary player
Jagr played in Pittsburgh for eleven out of his 24 seasons in the NHL, leading the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 1991 and 1992.
The Penguins retired his No. 68 jersey in a ceremony just a month ago, which is likely tied to the promotion.
After finding out that his bobbleheads were missing, Jagr became involved in the search on Thursday.
The team posted a video on social media of the former player getting into a truck, belting one of his bobbleheads into the passenger seat, and driving off to find the missing figurines.
Even though the stolen bobbleheads weren’t recovered in time for the game, the Penguins announced that fans who attended on Thursday night would be given a voucher to pick up their promised bobblehead after they’re located or re-produced.
Despite the unexpected cargo theft incident, the Penguins managed to prevail over the Sharks in a 6-3 win.
