AHL Belleville Senators

Pokka Making His Mark Early on in Belleville

Published on February 22, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Belleville Senators News Release


The Belleville Senators have dressed 14 different defencemen so far this year in its inaugural season.

But the team's latest acquisition is already making an impact.

The Ottawa Senators acquired Ville Pokka from the Chicago Blackhawks for forward Chris DiDomenico on Feb. 15 and reassigned him to Belleville.

In three games with Belleville, the 23-year-old Finn has tallied an assist while showing an early dominance on the power play.

"I think I'm a good two-way defenceman who can play on the power play and shoot the puck," Pokka said of his game. "I think I can make good plays with the puck and I'm a smart d-man."

Belleville head coach Kurt Kleinendorst is already seeing his man advantage play pay dividends.

"He's a nice player. I don't think there's any coincidence that our power play is clicking now that he's been here. He's been very good, he moves the puck well, he shoots it, he passes when he should pass it and he's out there quarterbacking and he's made a big difference.

"He's got this way about him with the way he quarterbacks the power play."

Pokka is no stranger to the North American game having spent the past four seasons in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs.

With Rockford, Pokka played 266 games and notched 28 goals and 99 assists. He left the IceHogs as the franchise's leader in games played by a defenceman while ranking second for goals scored, third in points and fourth in assists for a blue-liner.

But the Tornio, Finland, native says he was ready for a change of scenery.

"It's good to be here in Belleville and I am excited to be part of the team," Pokka said. "After four years in Rockford it's nice to have a fresh start."

Pokka was a second-round pick of the New York Islanders in 2012 (34th overall) and was He was also drafted 23rd overall in the KHL draft by Avangard Omsk the same year. He was acquired by Chicago in 2014 as part of the Nick Leddy trade to the Islanders. Before beginning his AHL career in 2014, Pokka played four seasons with Karpat of the SM-liiga in Finland where he racked up 12 goals and 30 points in 138 games and won the league title his final year in 2013-14.

He's also no stranger to the World Juniors having won gold with Finland in 2014 while also playing in 2012 and 2013. He also collected a silver medal at the 2016 IIHF World Championships.

With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching on Feb. 27, Pokka had an inclination he may be moved. He perhaps didn't expect it to be as soon as this though.

"I was kind of expecting something to happen but you just never know when it'll happen. The timing did kind of surprise me but I'm happy to be here.

"This is a good opportunity so that I can then play at the NHL level. I have to keep working hard every day and do my best."

Despite playing just three games so far for Belleville, all three came at the Yardmen Arena. And Pokka was quick to notice the passion of the fans.

"It's a good atmosphere and the fans here are really good. We just have to keep winning to keep them happy."

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American Hockey League Stories from February 22, 2018


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