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No Jokin’ – The Jokinens Add Jump To The NHL
By Jan Snyder
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Many talented Finnish players have found their way to the NHL over the years. A list of the most well-known would include Jarri Kuri, Saku Koivu, Esa Tikanen and of course Teemu Selanne.
Currently two Finnish “Jokinens” are plying their trade in the league, Ollie and Jussi. They are not related, they just happen to share the same last name. After the trade deadline passed, both are playing on teams in Florida – Ollie, for the Panthers and Jussi coming to the Tampa Bay Lightning from the Dallas Stars.
Ollie, a center and the Panthers captain, was rumored to be shipped out of Florida in one of the hottest rumors swirling around prior to the deadline. But as often happens with rumors, this one didn’t come to pass. Surprisingly, Jussi, a left winger, who was not rumored to move, was sent packing from Dallas to Tampa Bay along with goaltender Mike Smith and veteran center Jeff Halpern for one of the “Big Three”, center Brad Richards and goalie Johan Holmqvist. |
Draft Day to Present Day
OLLIE
Ollie, the 30-year-old, is the elder of the two Jokinens. He has served as his team’s captain since 2003 and broke the team record for most game-winning goals (24) in October 2006, taking that title from Pavel Bure. Originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft as the third overall pick, he played only parts of two seasons for the Kings before he was dealt to the New York Islanders. After one disappointing season on the Island, Jokinen was traded again, this time to the Panthers. The 2002-03 season was his breakout year when he scored 36 goals and accumulated 65 points. These accomplishments contributed to his being named captain, a role he still fills, the following season. He is now in sole possession of franchise records for goals, |
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points and consecutive games played.
“I’m happy I didn’t get moved,” Ollie told Dave Joseph on Florida Panthers.com. “I signed here two years ago a four-year extension, and I want to stay here longer than those four years. Like I said before, this is the place I want to be.”
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JUSSI
Jussi, the 25-year-old, was a fan favorite in Dallas, a player that many hated to see leaving town. Drafted by the Stars in the 2001 Entry Draft, Jussi spent his first four seasons playing in the Finnish Elite League. When he came to Dallas in the 2005-06 season he quickly earned a great reputation as one of the best shootout specialists in the league. He was a remarkable nine for nine in shootouts before his first unsuccessful attempt. In Finland, the leading scorer for each team wears a golden helmet, a gimmick to let fans know of his accomplishments. Jussi wore that crown enough that he came to crave the spotlight that accompanied it.
“I think that’s a good part of the game,” Jokinen said. “I don’t think it would be good if nobody expected anything from you, if you |
had no expectations. I like the pressure, I like when people think I should play well. I think the pressure is good for me.”
Surrounded by fellow Finns in Dallas made Jussi more comfortable too. He centered a line with Niklas Hagman and Antti Miettinen and other teammates included Niko Kapanen, Janne Niinimaa and Jere Lehtinen.
Strengths and Weaknesses
OLLIE
Ollie is known for being a responsible and trustworthy faceoff man. He is able to play any of three forward positions on his line and score from any of them. He sees plenty of power play time, making him a valuable, versatile forward. As captain he shows strong character and leadership abilities. His only weaknesses seem to be a lack of confidence in decision-making and a need to develop more consistency.
JUSSI
Jussi possesses good hockey sense and has a real ability to read the game. His shootout record is excellent. He may need to add some bulk to his somewhat thin frame so that he isn’t knocked off the puck so easily. Personally, he thinks he needs to continue to work on defensive responsibility and good positioning.
2008 Defining Moments
OLLIE
The sight was one hockey fans wish they could forget and hope to never see again. Panther Richard Zednick clutching his throat as blood gushed from the wound caused by Ollie Jokinen’s skate blade. The unfortunate accident had a happy ending but that didn’t make what happened any less traumatic for anyone involved.
“It’s been tough for me,” Ollie said. “I saw the replay, that it was my skate that hit him in the throat. I think we were all in shock. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
The timing was even more difficult as Ollie tried to deal with the persistent rumors that he would be dealt. But with both the injury and the trade deadline behind him, he is getting back into the groove and helping children’s charities at the same time. He personally donates $1000 for every home game goal and $500 for every home assist to a local South Florida charity.
JUSSI
Being traded for the first time has to be a jarring experience. But Jussi has taken this as just another challenge. Coach John Tortorella said ten minutes into their first conversation, Jussi was asking for game DVDs to watch. Jussi thinks he could play on the big line with Lecavalier and St. Louis. In 52 games this season with the Stars, he had 14 goals and 14 assists, even though missing time because of an injury.
“My style fits those guys,” Jussi said. “I can skate and shoot and pass. I think we can be a pretty good line.”
Tampa is out of the playoff race this season and with the ownership change and so many things up in the air, how next year will shake out is hard to determine. But if Jussi Jokinen is there, he will be working hard and trying to make a difference.
Better Together
In 2006, both Ollie and Jussi participated in the Olympic Games in Turin. Playing for their native Finland, they were able to bring home Silver Medals after losing to their bitter rivals, Team Sweden. The only bright spot for Finland was that Selanne was named best forward in the tournament. |
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