Kelowna Rockets Make CHL Import Selection

June 30, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release

Kelowna, BC: The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce they have selected Teemu Pulkkinen from Finland in the first round of the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.

The Rockets acquired Pulkkinen with the 50th pick overall.

Pulkkinen, 17, is a 5'10-175 pound left winger who played for the Division One Jokerit Hockey Club in Helsinki, Finland last year. He saw limited action in his first season, playing in only three games and recording six penalty minutes.

However, he competed for Finland at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships, earning a bronze medal. He recorded 13 points in six games to finish third in tournament scoring behind teammate Toni Rajala and Russian Vladimir Tarasenko.

President/General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets Bruce Hamilton stated, "When you're picking 50th overall you're picking a player that we anticipate playing here next season. He's playing Division One in Finland right now and we think he'll be an NHL Draft pick next year. One of our scouts saw him play in Fargo at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships and was very impressed. Due to contractual obligations, he'll most likely remain in Finland next season. That being said it's our goal to bring him here for Training Camp in August."

Last season the Rockets chose Stepan Novotny from Prague, CZE with the 24th overall pick.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 30, 2009

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• Import Draft Selection - Vancouver Giants
• Americans Select Goaltender, Forward in 2009 CHL Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
• Calgary Hitmen Select Finnish Forward In 2009 CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
• Pats Select Poletin - Regina Pats
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• Chiefs Take Forward from the Czech Republic - Spokane Chiefs
• Warriors Select Herman 53rd Overall - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Blades Select Gustafsson in CHL Import Draft - Saskatoon Blades
• Kelowna Rockets Make CHL Import Selection - Kelowna Rockets
• Broncos Select Flames Draft Pick in Import Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• Rich Preston named General Manager and Head Coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Hurricanes draft Kolppanen in 2009 CHL Import Draft - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Rebels Swap Picks With Brandon; Acquire Nathan Green - Red Deer Rebels
• Red Deer Rebels Select John Persson In The CHL Import Draft - Red Deer Rebels
• T-Birds Take Rusian Foward in CHL Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
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• Raiders Select Right Winger Fredrik Cedergren of Sweden in 2009 CHL Import Draft - Prince Albert Raiders
• Wheaties Move Up to Take Finn - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Bruins Nab Czech Center in Import Draft - Chilliwack Bruins
• Cougars Select Jaroslav Vlach - Prince George Cougars
• Warriors Select Honejsek - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Erb To Become A Bison - Brandon Wheat Kings

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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