Canucks Acquire Mikko Jokela From New Jersey and Assign to Manitoba

Published on January 24, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release

The Vancouver Canucks announced that they have acquired defenceman Mikko Jokela (MIH-koh, YOH-kih-lah) from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for left winger Steve Kariya. Vancouver directly assigns Jokela to the Manitoba Moose.

Kariya had played the entire 2002-03 season with the Manitoba Moose. In 37 AHL matches, the 5'7" forward posted 14 goals, 14 assists for 28 points with 18 PIM. He was in third spot in Moose scoring and tied for the team's goal lead. Last season, Kariya split duites with both Vancouver and Manitoba but played the majority of time with the Moose. He led the Manitoba team in scoring with 62 points (25 goals and 37 assists) with 48 PIM. Kariya was acquired by the Canucks as a free agent on April 21/99.

Jokela, 22, had played the 2002-03 season with the Albany River Rats (New Jersey primary affiliate) and was the team's fourth leading scorer. Heading into tonight's action, the 6'1" defenceman played in 43 AHL games and notched eight goals (four on the power play), 11 assists for 19 points and 35 penalty minutes.

Last season, in his first year as a pro in North America, Jokela played the full season with Albany and had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) with 28 PIM in 56 AHL matches. He played for Finland in the 2000 World Junior Championships and registered one assist in seven matches. The Lappeenranta, Finland native also played for Finland in the 1999 World Junior Championships played in Winnipeg.

Jokela was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils with their fifth choice, 96th overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry draft.

MIKKO JOKELA

Position: Defence Shoots: Right

Height: 6'1" Weight: 205 lbs.

Birthdate: Mar. 4, 1980 Place: Lappeenranta, Finland

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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