Robust Haakana aspires to make Oilers

Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2001

By Lucas Aykroyd

When you think of Finnish defensemen, what comes to mind? In all likelihood, it’s a long chain of offensive-minded, elegant blueliners like Risto Siltanen, Jyrki Lumme and Kimmo Timonen. But Kari Haakana looks poised to break that mold if he can stick with the Edmonton Oilers this season. The 6-1, 222-pound Haakana originally seemed like a longshot when the Oilers took him in the eighth round (248th overall) back in June. But now, his gritty, positionally solid style could earn him the sixth or seventh spot in Edmonton’s blueline rotation. The 27-year-old Outokumpu native is a classic stay-at-home defender who likes to make the smart, simple play. His 98 penalty minutes with Jokerit of the Finnish Elite League last year indicate that he’s not afraid to mix it up. In the past, Haakana acquired seasoning with K-Espoo and Lukko, as well as Rosenheim of the German League. He spoke with EuroReport’s Lucas Aykroyd after a 23 September exhibition win over the Vancouver Canucks at GM Place.

EuroReport: How close are you to your goal of making this team?

Kari Haakana: It’s hard to say. I think we still have ten defensemen on the team fighting for spots, so we’ll see in a week if I’m still here or not. But of course I’ll fight till the end to get my spot.

EuroReport: Would you return to Finland or go down to Hamilton if you didn’t make it?

Haakana: I would go to Hamilton. Then we’d see how long I’d have to stay there or whatever. We’re having a baby in December, so I don’t know. I think there is a lot of travelling on the bus, and I’d be pretty much away from home. We’ll see.

EuroReport: What was your reaction when you heard that the Oilers had drafted you?

Haakana: It was like a bomb! I didn’t expect that they would do it. At first, I was just, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. That’s just talk, rumor.” Then my agent said, “Hey, let’s go to the draft in Florida.” “Yeah, OK.” When I got drafted, I was surprised.

EuroReport: Considering all the penalty minutes you got last year, were you a popular player in Finland?

Haakana: Yeah, I think I was with Jokerit. [laughs] But not with the other teams. When you fight, you always get a misconduct and they throw you out immediately. Then you maybe get a one-game suspension. So there aren’t too many fights there.

EuroReport: Do you see yourself as a guy who’s going to do some fighting in the NHL?

Haakana: I don’t know. We have guys for fighting here, so I don’t think I’ll have to do it much. But of course, if somebody challenges me, I’ll have to do it.

EuroReport: How did your time in the German League help you develop as a player?

Haakana: I think it was a good two years for me. I got to live in another country and learn a little bit about a different culture. I had to do everything on my own, without my parents or people who spoke my language. I got a lot of ice time. There wasn’t that much speed in the games, so it was good for my confidence with the puck. I got to handle it a little more than I was used to.

EuroReport: How much did you know about the Oilers before you came to Edmonton?

Haakana: Nothing, except a little history. I talked a couple of times to Janne [Niinimaa] before I came here. I didn’t know who was playing here or how many guys would be in training camp. I didn’t even want to know! Just come here and be myself.

EuroReport: How do you feel about the possibility of getting to see Jari Kurri’s number 17 retired at the start of the season?

Haakana: I hope I get to see it! That’s going to be a great thing for Finnish players, and for Jari too.

EuroReport: What should North American hockey fans know about Tommy Salo’s likely backup, Jussi Markkanen? Nine shutouts with Tappara last year looks pretty good.

Haakana: Yes, he had a very good season. Of course, we played on different teams last year, but from what I know, I think he has a lot of years ahead of him to be a good goalie.

EuroReport: What do you like the most about this Oilers team, from what you’ve seen of the players?

Haakana: I think there’s a very good spirit on the team. The guys are very friendly toward one another, and you don’t feel like you’re a stranger. It’s a hard-working team. I think this could be a good combination.