Jagr confirms he's not available for Czechs at World Cup

PRAGUE - The Czech Republic will have to do without Jaromir Jagr at the World Cup of Hockey after the star winger confirmed he won't be available to compete in September.

Czech Republic general manager Martin Rucinsky says Jagr announced his decision in a telephone call over the weekend.

Jagr retired from the national team after last year's world championship, and was not included in the first 16 players for the Czech's World Cup squad.

But Rucinsky hoped the 44-year-old Jagr would change his view after yet another decent NHL season. Jagr led the Florida Panthers with 66 points (27 goals, 39 assist) in 79 games in the regular season, and added two assists in the playoffs.

Rucinsky told Tuesday's edition of the Sport daily he respects Jagr's decision.