Martino Inks First Player

Published on June 13, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees today announced the signing of center Juha-Pekka Ketola. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Ketola becomes the first official signing by new Killer Bees bench boss Tony Martino.

A 6-foot-1, 185-pound native of Rauma, Finland, Ketola wrapped up last season playing for Hokki Kajaani in Finland's Division 1. He posted 12 points (6-6-12) in 40 games and tacked on 62 PIM. He played the majority of the previous two seasons with Assat Pori in the Finnish Elite League, the country's top level of competition.

Ketola, 23, was selected in the ninth round (287th overall) of the 2001 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders. New York acquired goalie Chris Terreri and the draft pick used to select Ketola from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for goalie John Vanbiesbrouck on March 12, 2001.

A two-way player who excels on faceoffs and penalty-killing, Ketola represented Finland in the 2001 World Junior Championship Under-18 Tournament and posted a goal and two assists. He then signed with the Sherbrooke Beavers in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and put up 35 points (8-27-35) in 2001-02 before returning to Finland the following season.

The Killer Bees are getting ready for the fourth season of CHL action in the Rio Grande Valley beginning in October. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are available now by calling (956) 843-PUCK. Stay tuned all summer to killerbeehockey.com for the latest news and transactions as they become official!

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Central Hockey League Stories from June 13, 2006


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