Jiri "the Big Show" Fischer

Drafted: Wings first pick in 1998 (25th overall) Sweater #: 2 Birthdate: July 31,1980 (a wonderful day for the Fischer family and the family of this webmistress) Birthplace: Horovice, Czech Republic Position: defense Height: 6'5" Weight: 210 lbs

Jiri and the other first round draftees from Hull at the 1998 Draft

Jiri's about halfway through his sophomore season with the Wings, and he has seen a definite increase in responsibility.  He's usually paired with Aaron Ward, and together they form what I have heard people call the pairing of "Crash and Thunder."  High intensity makes them  a force to be dealt with. Jiri's still learning the ropes, but he's doing well and really has potential to become an NHL All-Star caliber player.

Jiri with Aaron Ward and a radio DJ during the Willie O'Ree All-Star festivities.  (Pic borrowed from Inside Hockeytown.) Click on this pic to see it in focus. 8-)

Jiri during a 2 week conditioning stint with the Cincinatti Mighty Ducks.  After this, Jiri found a more regular spot in the line-up.

Here's Jiri with Martin Skoula at the 1998 Entry Draft.  Jiri looks slightly surprised at something....

Jiri in action. (pic from the FREEP)

Dropping the puck. (This pic is click-able too!)

I think what impresses me most about Jiri is how he seems to carry himself and how he handles this somewhat new situation of being in the NHL.  He's the same age as me, and while I'm going to classes and deciding whether to buy a shirt or put gas in my car, he's playing in the NHL.  I know other 20 year old guys and given the responsibility that Jiri has been given...well, I think they'd be a little less gracious.  I only know what I've read and seen in interviews, but Jiri seems like a guy with his head on straight, and that's nice to see. Good luck, Jiri, and don't lose your head. :-)

JIRI LINKS ~Jiri Fischer Fan Page ~Jiri Fischer Fan Club Page ~Angela's Jiri Page

I know this is a great page, but you might want to check out the rest of my pages. Click Mr. Fischer to go back to my Wings page.