Father's death to keep Jokinen out of 'Canes line up
Mar 2, 2009
Tags: Hockey, Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Monday morning that forward Jussi Jokinen has left Raleigh for his native Finland to be with his family after the death of his father, Keijo Jokinen.
It was not immediately known how much time Jokinen will miss. Next up for the 'Canes is a road game against the Capitals in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. Following Tuesday night's divisional clash, the Hurricanes face the Calgary Flames in Raleigh on Friday night.
In eleven games with Carolina this season, Jokinen has contributed five points; one goal and four assists. The aforementioned goal was a game-winner against his former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 20th. Jokinen also netted the only shootout goal in the 'Canes 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres this past Thursday in Raleigh.
Carolina GM Jim Rutherford, "Our thoughts are with Jussi and his family in this difficult time."
I echo the sentiments of Rutherford, as do all of us at 99.9 FM The Fan & WRAL-TV Sports.
