Kärpät
Encyclopedia
Oulun Kärpät is an ice hockey
team in the SM-liiga
based in Oulu
, Finland
. Their logo features a stoat
(Mustela erminea); "kärpät" is Finnish
for stoats or ermine
s. The team has won five league championships (1981, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008).
.
In the first annual meeting in January 1947, an ice hockey section was established. At the beginning of the new decade, Kärpät was somewhat successful in ice hockey and it became the main sport of the club. The first game at the highest level was played on the December 4, 1960 against HJK
but the visit to the highest level was short and Kärpät lost their position in the series. They made it to the highest level again in 1965–66, but lost their position again. The third try in 1967–68 did not produce a better performance, as Kärpät lost all their games.
From the first years on, junior work was important for Kärpät. E-juniors won the first Finnish Championship for Kärpät in the spring of 1971. When the SM-liiga
was founded in August 1975, Kärpät started in the first division. Their goal was to rise to the league. It didn’t happen in the first season, but in 1976. In the next season Kärpät was 7th and then last, but they still remained at the league with ease. After Kärpät acquired some good players, they won the bronze medals in 1980.
In the following year, Kärpät was third in the regular series but in the finals they defeated Tappara
. Next year, the weakened team had to settle for 5th place, and the following year they were almost relegated. With a new coach, the goal was to win a medal and finally Kärpät won the bronze. The next goal was to win the championship, but Kärpät only managed to get bronze for the following two years. Kärpät won the regular series in 1987 but they lost to Tappara
in the finals. Hopes were high for the next season, but Kärpät fell from the league.
The goal was to rise again shortly but it did not work out. Due to financial constraints, Kärpät went into bankruptcy, but in the fall of 1995 they made it to the first division again. In the first year they came 8th and lost in the play offs. Next year they went against KalPa
for a place in the league but lost. In the following year, they lost against KalPa again. For the 1998–99 season, Kärpät acquired coach Juhani Tamminen. After they played very well in the regular series they lost to TuTo
in the play offs.
The next year, Kärpät finally qualified to the SM-liiga
by beating Pelicans Lahti in the qualification series. The first season in the Elite league was full of ups and downs but Kärpät finished 4th, and 6th the following season. After that they finally made it to the finals but lost against Tappara
just like in 1987. In the 2003–04 season, Kärpät played in the finals against TPS
and finally won their second Finnish Championship. In 2004–05, Kärpät won the Finnish Championship again when they defeated Jokerit
in the finals, winning the best-of-five series 3–1. They retained the championship title in the 2006–07 season by beating Jokerit
in the finals (3 wins to none) and winning all their games in the playoffs. The first three championships of the 2000s have been celebrated in Oulu with feasts, each gathering tens of thousands of people to rejoice. In the 2007–2008 season, the organization won its second consecutive championship title, and the fourth within the last five years, by defeating Espoo Blues
in the finals with four wins to one.
When Oulun Kärpät Oy was founded in 2000 it took the responsibility off the representative team and A-juniors. Oulun Kärpät 46 ry focuses on other junior work.
– Reijo Ruotsalainen helped Kärpät win its first domestic championship in 1980–81 before moving to New York Rangers
in the NHL. Later he moved to Edmonton Oilers
where he won two Stanley Cups. He also played for New Jersey Devils
. In total he played 532 matches in the NHL totalling 391 points. Ruotsalainen has also been selected to the NHL All-Star game.
Janne Niinimaa
– The offensive defenseman started his career in Kärpät in the Finnish First Division before joining Jokerit
in 1993. Has played a total of 800 NHL matches in Philadelphia Flyers
, Edmonton Oilers
, New York Islanders
, Dallas Stars
and Montreal Canadiens
scoring 343 points. Has been selected to NHL-All Rookie Team in 1996–97 and All-Star team in 2000-01 and has won an Olympic bronze medal and World Championship with Team Finland.
Tim Thomas
– Boston Bruins
The current number one goalie Tim Thomas played in the 2001-02 season with Kärpät. Although the team didn't get far in the playoffs, Thomas played a successful season of 32 games with a .925 save percentage. Thomas wins the Vezina Trophy
in the 2010-2011 NHL season.
Niklas Bäckström
– Bäckström started his goaltending career in HIFK
but made his break-through while playing in Kärpät 2002–06. Currently Bäckström is the starting goaltender for the Minnesota Wild
.
Jussi Jokinen
– Jokinen began his career with Kärpät and moved to the NHL after totaling 47 points in 56 matches in the 2004–05 season. In the NHL he has played for Dallas Stars
, Tampa Bay Lightning
and Carolina Hurricanes
.
Joni Pitkänen
– Pitkänen started his career with Kärpät and was drafted 1st round 4th overall in the 2002 NHL draft by Philadelphia Flyers
. He is currently playing at Carolina Hurricanes
and has also played a season at Edmonton Oilers
for a total of 379 NHL games scoring 188 points.
Pekka Rinne
– Rinne began his career as an understudy to Niklas Bäckström before moving to North America in 2005. He is now considered the first choice goaltender at Nashville Predators
and also made his national team debut at the 2009 World Championships. He was also one of the 3 finalists for the Vezina Trophy
in the 2010-2011 NHL season.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team in the SM-liiga
SM-liiga
The SM-liiga is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. As of March 2008, it is ranked by the IIHF as the second strongest league in Europe. It was created in 1975 to replace the SM-sarja, which was fundamentally an amateur league. The SM-liiga is not directly overseen by the Finnish Ice...
based in Oulu
Oulu
Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world....
, Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. Their logo features a stoat
Stoat
The stoat , also known as the ermine or short-tailed weasel, is a species of Mustelid native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip...
(Mustela erminea); "kärpät" is Finnish
Finnish language
Finnish is the language spoken by the majority of the population in Finland Primarily for use by restaurant menus and by ethnic Finns outside Finland. It is one of the two official languages of Finland and an official minority language in Sweden. In Sweden, both standard Finnish and Meänkieli, a...
for stoats or ermine
Ermine
Ermine has several uses:* A common name for the stoat * The white fur and black tail end of this animal, which is historically worn by and associated with royalty and high officials...
s. The team has won five league championships (1981, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008).
History
In the spring of 1946, three young men decided to found a new sports club in Oulu. At the constitutional meeting on May 15, the club was named Oulun Kärpät 46. At first, Kärpät played football and its first winter sport was bandyBandy
Bandy is a team winter sport played on ice, in which skaters use sticks to direct a ball into the opposing team's goal.The rules of the game have many similarities to those of association football: the game is played on a rectangle of ice the same size as a football field. Each team has 11 players,...
.
In the first annual meeting in January 1947, an ice hockey section was established. At the beginning of the new decade, Kärpät was somewhat successful in ice hockey and it became the main sport of the club. The first game at the highest level was played on the December 4, 1960 against HJK
HJK
HJK may stand for:* HJK Helsinki , association football club from Helsinki, Finland* Hærens Jegerkommando, the armed forces competence center for commando, airborne, and counterterrorist duty in the Norwegian Army...
but the visit to the highest level was short and Kärpät lost their position in the series. They made it to the highest level again in 1965–66, but lost their position again. The third try in 1967–68 did not produce a better performance, as Kärpät lost all their games.
From the first years on, junior work was important for Kärpät. E-juniors won the first Finnish Championship for Kärpät in the spring of 1971. When the SM-liiga
SM-liiga
The SM-liiga is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. As of March 2008, it is ranked by the IIHF as the second strongest league in Europe. It was created in 1975 to replace the SM-sarja, which was fundamentally an amateur league. The SM-liiga is not directly overseen by the Finnish Ice...
was founded in August 1975, Kärpät started in the first division. Their goal was to rise to the league. It didn’t happen in the first season, but in 1976. In the next season Kärpät was 7th and then last, but they still remained at the league with ease. After Kärpät acquired some good players, they won the bronze medals in 1980.
In the following year, Kärpät was third in the regular series but in the finals they defeated Tappara
Tappara
Tappara is an ice hockey team in the SM-liiga. They play in Tampere, Finland at Tampereen jäähalli. The team have won 15 league championships ....
. Next year, the weakened team had to settle for 5th place, and the following year they were almost relegated. With a new coach, the goal was to win a medal and finally Kärpät won the bronze. The next goal was to win the championship, but Kärpät only managed to get bronze for the following two years. Kärpät won the regular series in 1987 but they lost to Tappara
Tappara
Tappara is an ice hockey team in the SM-liiga. They play in Tampere, Finland at Tampereen jäähalli. The team have won 15 league championships ....
in the finals. Hopes were high for the next season, but Kärpät fell from the league.
The goal was to rise again shortly but it did not work out. Due to financial constraints, Kärpät went into bankruptcy, but in the fall of 1995 they made it to the first division again. In the first year they came 8th and lost in the play offs. Next year they went against KalPa
KalPa
The Kalevan Pallo is an ice hockey team in the SM-liiga. They play in Kuopio, Finland at the Niiralan monttu.-Team history:Established in 1929, the full name of the company that runs the representative team is KalPa Hockey Oy. The majority of the company is owned by NHL players Sami Kapanen and...
for a place in the league but lost. In the following year, they lost against KalPa again. For the 1998–99 season, Kärpät acquired coach Juhani Tamminen. After they played very well in the regular series they lost to TuTo
TuTo
TuTo is a Finnish ice hockey team based at the new Kupittaan jäähalli , Turku. Established in 1929. TuTo plays in Turku, Finland, and is one of two clubs in that city . Full name of the club is TuTo Hockey...
in the play offs.
The next year, Kärpät finally qualified to the SM-liiga
SM-liiga
The SM-liiga is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. As of March 2008, it is ranked by the IIHF as the second strongest league in Europe. It was created in 1975 to replace the SM-sarja, which was fundamentally an amateur league. The SM-liiga is not directly overseen by the Finnish Ice...
by beating Pelicans Lahti in the qualification series. The first season in the Elite league was full of ups and downs but Kärpät finished 4th, and 6th the following season. After that they finally made it to the finals but lost against Tappara
Tappara
Tappara is an ice hockey team in the SM-liiga. They play in Tampere, Finland at Tampereen jäähalli. The team have won 15 league championships ....
just like in 1987. In the 2003–04 season, Kärpät played in the finals against TPS
TPS (ice hockey)
TPS or Turun Palloseura is an ice hockey team and 11-time champion of SM-liiga. They play in Turku, Finland at the HK Arena. In terms of championships, TPS is the most successful team in SM-liiga history.-Team history:...
and finally won their second Finnish Championship. In 2004–05, Kärpät won the Finnish Championship again when they defeated Jokerit
Jokerit
Jokerit is an ice-hockey team from Helsinki, Finland, playing in the Finnish Elite League, SM-liiga. The team has won 6 league championships...
in the finals, winning the best-of-five series 3–1. They retained the championship title in the 2006–07 season by beating Jokerit
Jokerit
Jokerit is an ice-hockey team from Helsinki, Finland, playing in the Finnish Elite League, SM-liiga. The team has won 6 league championships...
in the finals (3 wins to none) and winning all their games in the playoffs. The first three championships of the 2000s have been celebrated in Oulu with feasts, each gathering tens of thousands of people to rejoice. In the 2007–2008 season, the organization won its second consecutive championship title, and the fourth within the last five years, by defeating Espoo Blues
Espoo Blues
The Blues are an ice hockey team in the SM-liiga. They play in Espoo, Finland at the Barona Areena.-Team history:The club was established in February 1984 as Kiekko-Espoo and played their first season in 1984-1985 in the Finnish Second Division...
in the finals with four wins to one.
When Oulun Kärpät Oy was founded in 2000 it took the responsibility off the representative team and A-juniors. Oulun Kärpät 46 ry focuses on other junior work.
Current squad
| Goalkeepers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Glove hand | Contract | Place of Birth | ||
| 1 |  |
Ville Hostikka Ville Hostikka Ville Hostikka is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round, 193rd overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.-Career:... |
L | 2013 | Lappeenranta Lappeenranta Lappeenranta is a city and municipality that resides on the shore of the lake Saimaa in South-Eastern Finland, about from the Russian border. It belongs to the region of South Karelia. With approximately inhabitants Lappeenranta is the largest city in Finland... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 33 | Finland |
Tomi Karhunen Tomi Karhunen Tomi Karhunen is a Finnish ice hockey goaltender who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2013 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| Defenders | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Lower hand | Contract | Place of Birth | |
| 5 | Finland |
Atte Ohtamaa Atte Ohtamaa Atte Ohtamaa is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2012 | Nivala Nivala Nivala is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Oulu and is part of the Northern Ostrobothnia region. The town has a population of and covers an area of ofwhich is water... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 6 | Finland |
Ilkka Mikkola Ilkka Mikkola Ilkka Mikkola is a professional ice hockey defenceman, who currently plays for Oulun Kärpät in Finnish hockey league SM-Liiga... |
L | 2012 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 25 | Finland |
Juho Jokinen Juho Jokinen Juho Jokinen is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2012 | Kalajoki Kalajoki Kalajoki is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Oulu and is part of the Northern Ostrobothnia region. The town has a population of and covers an area of of which is water... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 26 | Finland |
Mikko Lehtonen Mikko Lehtonen (ice hockey b. 1978) Mikko Lehtonen is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman currently playing for Kärpät in the Finnish SM-liiga.- Playing career :... |
L | 2012 | Kiiminki Kiiminki Kiiminki is a municipality of Finland.It is located about north-east from the Oulu city centre, in the province of Oulu and is part of the Northern Ostrobothnia region. The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is .The municipality is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 28 | Finland |
Mikko Niemelä Mikko Niemelä Mikko Niemelä is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
R | 2013 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 50 | Finland |
Nico Lehto Nico Lehto Nico Lehto is a Finnish ice hockey defenceman who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2013 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 8 | Finland |
Ville Mäntymaa Ville Mäntymaa Ville Jaakko Mäntymaa is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman, currently playing for Frölunda HC in the Elitserien.-Regular season and playoffs:-International:-External links:... |
R | 2013 | Seinäjoki Seinäjoki Seinäjoki is a city located in Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Seinäjoki originated around the Östermyra bruk iron and gunpowder factories founded in 1798. Seinäjoki became a municipality in 1868, market town in 1931 and town in 1960... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 44 |  Czech Republic |
Jan Snopek Jan Snopek Jan Snopek is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman. He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the 5th round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.... |
R | 2012 | Prague Prague Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million... , Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
| 15 |  Sweden |
Oscar Eklund Oscar Eklund Oscar Eklund is a Swedish ice hockey player. He is currently playing with the Oulun Kärpät in the SM-Liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2012 | Stockholm Stockholm Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area... , Sweden Sweden Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund.... |
| 2 | Finland |
Ville Pokka Ville Pokka Ville Pokka is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who played with Kärpät in the SM-liiga during the 2010-11 season.-External links:... |
R | youth | Tornio Tornio Tornio is a town and municipality in Lapland, Finland. The municipality covers an area of of which is water. The population density is , with a total population of . It borders to the Swedish municipality of Haparanda... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| Forwards | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | |Player | Lower hand | Contract | Place of Birth | |
| 11 | Finland |
Kimmo Koskenkorva Kimmo Koskenkorva Kimmo Koskenkorva is a Finnish professional ice hockey player currently with the Kärpät team in the Finnish SM-liiga league.- References :... |
L | 2012 | Haukipudas Haukipudas Haukipudas is a municipality of Finland. It is located in the province of Oulu and is part of the Northern Ostrobothnia region. Its shore runs along the Gulf of Bothnia, with the river Kiiminkijoki running through the province.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 12 | Finland |
Pekka Saarenheimo Pekka Saarenheimo Pekka Saarenheimo is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for Södertälje SK of the Elitserien.-References:... |
L | 2012 | Oulunsalo Oulunsalo Oulunsalo is a municipality in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. The municipality is located in Northern Finland just south-west of the city of Oulu. The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 13 | Finland |
Julius Junttila Julius Junttila Julius Junttila is a Finnish ice hockey player who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2013 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 18 | Finland |
Mikko Alikoski Mikko Alikoski Mikko Alikoski is a Finnish ice hockey player who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2012 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 19 | Finland |
Juho Keränen Juho Keränen Juho Keränen is a Finnish ice hockey player who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
R | 2014 | Keitele Keitele Keitele is a municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the Northern Savonia region. The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is .... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 21 | Finland |
Tomi Körkkö Tomi Korkko Tomi Körkkö is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for Kärpät in the SM-liiga.-References:... |
L | youth | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 22 | Finland |
Miikka Salomäki Miikka Salomäki Miikka Salomäki is a Finnish ice hockey player currently with Kärpät of the SM-Liiga.-International statistics:- External links :... |
L | 2013 | Raahe Raahe Raahe is a town and municipality of Finland. Founded by Swedish statesman and Governor General of Finland Count Per Brahe the younger in 1649, it is one of 10 historic wooden towns remaining in Finland. Examples of other Finnish historic wooden towns are Kaskinen , Old Rauma, Porvoo , Jakobstad ,... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 23 | Finland |
Joonas Kemppainen Joonas Kemppainen Joonas Kemppainen is a Finnish ice hockey player who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2013 | Kajaani Kajaani Kajaani is a town and municipality in Finland.It is the capital of the Kainuu region. It is located southeast of Oulujärvi , which drains to the Gulf of Bothnia along the Oulujoki . There are inhabitants and city surface area is of which is water. The population density is . The town is... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 24 | Finland |
Jari Viuhkola Jari Viuhkola Jari Viuhkola is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre. He currently represents Kärpät in the Finnish SM-liiga.-Playing career:... |
L | 2012 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 72 | Finland |
Joonas Donskoi Joonas Donskoi Joonas Donskoi is a Finnish ice hockey player who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga. He was selected by the Florida Panthers in the 4th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.... |
R | 2012 | Raahe Raahe Raahe is a town and municipality of Finland. Founded by Swedish statesman and Governor General of Finland Count Per Brahe the younger in 1649, it is one of 10 historic wooden towns remaining in Finland. Examples of other Finnish historic wooden towns are Kaskinen , Old Rauma, Porvoo , Jakobstad ,... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 30 | Finland |
Joonas Komulainen Joonas Komulainen Joonas Komulainen is a Finnish ice hockey player who currently plays professionally in Finland for Oulun Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
L | 2013 | Kuhmo Kuhmo Kuhmo is a town and a municipality in Finland and is part of the Kainuu region. The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is water. The population density is . It has a borderline of with Russia.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 49 | Finland |
Veli-Matti Koponen | R | 2012 | Lahti Lahti Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. It is situated on a bay at the southern end of lake Vesijärvi about north-east of the capital Helsinki... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 71 | Czech Republic |
Ivan Huml Ivan Huml Ivan Huml is a Czech professional ice hockey player who currently plays for HC Kometa Brno in the Czech Extraliga... |
L | 2012 | Kladno Kladno Kladno is a city in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is located 25 km northwest of Prague. Kladno is the largest city of the region and holds a population together with its adjacent suburban areas of more than 110,000 people... , Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
| 27 | Finland |
Juha-Pekka Haataja Juha-Pekka Haataja Juha-Pekka Haataja is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Kärpät of the SM-liiga.-External links:... |
R | 2016 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 16 | Finland |
Markus Korkiakoski | L | 2014 | Oulu Oulu Oulu is a city and municipality of inhabitants in the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the most populous city in Northern Finland and the sixth most populous city in the country. It is one of the northernmost larger cities in the world.... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 37 | Finland |
Simon Suoranta | L | youth | Vaasa Vaasa Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. It received its charter in 1606, during the reign of Charles IX of Sweden and is named after the Royal House of Vasa... , Finland Finland Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside... |
| 82 | Czech Republic |
Michal Vondrka Michal Vondrka Michal Vondrka is a Czech professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish SM-Liiga. He was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 5th round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.... |
L | 2012 | Ceske Budejovice Ceské Budejovice České Budějovice is a city in the Czech Republic. It is the largest city in the South Bohemian Region and is the political and commercial capital of the region and centre of the Roman Catholic Diocese of České Budějovice and of the University of South Bohemia and the Academy of Sciences... , Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
Famous players
Reijo RuotsalainenReijo Ruotsalainen
Reijo Ruotsalainen is a Finnish retired ice hockey defenceman. He was twice named Finland's top defenceman, and won two Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, in 1987 and 1990.-Kärpät :...
– Reijo Ruotsalainen helped Kärpät win its first domestic championship in 1980–81 before moving to New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
in the NHL. Later he moved to Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
where he won two Stanley Cups. He also played for New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. In total he played 532 matches in the NHL totalling 391 points. Ruotsalainen has also been selected to the NHL All-Star game.
Janne Niinimaa
Janne Niinimaa
Janne Niinimaa is a professional ice hockey defenceman who has played over 700 games in the NHL. He was selected in the second round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, 36th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers...
– The offensive defenseman started his career in Kärpät in the Finnish First Division before joining Jokerit
Jokerit
Jokerit is an ice-hockey team from Helsinki, Finland, playing in the Finnish Elite League, SM-liiga. The team has won 6 league championships...
in 1993. Has played a total of 800 NHL matches in Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
, Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
, New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
, Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The...
and Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
scoring 343 points. Has been selected to NHL-All Rookie Team in 1996–97 and All-Star team in 2000-01 and has won an Olympic bronze medal and World Championship with Team Finland.
Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas (ice hockey)
Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the...
– Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
The current number one goalie Tim Thomas played in the 2001-02 season with Kärpät. Although the team didn't get far in the playoffs, Thomas played a successful season of 32 games with a .925 save percentage. Thomas wins the Vezina Trophy
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team...
in the 2010-2011 NHL season.
Niklas Bäckström
Niklas Bäckström
Niklas Oskar Bäckström is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . He has won both William M. Jennings Trophy and Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award...
– Bäckström started his goaltending career in HIFK
HIFK (ice hockey)
HIFK is an ice hockey team based in Helsinki, Finland. The team plays at Helsinki Ice Hall. It was founded in 1897...
but made his break-through while playing in Kärpät 2002–06. Currently Bäckström is the starting goaltender for the Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
.
Jussi Jokinen
Jussi Jokinen
Jussi Jokinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League...
– Jokinen began his career with Kärpät and moved to the NHL after totaling 47 points in 56 matches in the 2004–05 season. In the NHL he has played for Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The...
, Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
and Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
.
Joni Pitkänen
Joni Pitkänen
Joni Pitkänen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
– Pitkänen started his career with Kärpät and was drafted 1st round 4th overall in the 2002 NHL draft by Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. He is currently playing at Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
and has also played a season at Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
for a total of 379 NHL games scoring 188 points.
Pekka Rinne
Pekka Rinne
Pekka Rinne is a Finnish professional hockey goaltender currently playing for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
– Rinne began his career as an understudy to Niklas Bäckström before moving to North America in 2005. He is now considered the first choice goaltender at Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
and also made his national team debut at the 2009 World Championships. He was also one of the 3 finalists for the Vezina Trophy
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team...
in the 2010-2011 NHL season.
External links
- Kärpät official web site
- Kärpät junior official web site
- Kärpät official fan club
- Meltzer, Bill. NHL.com 'Across the Pond', article about Kärpät