Friday, December 14, 2001
Jussi an Oly goalie
By ROBIN BROWNLEE -- Edmonton Sun
Quantity he doesn't have, but quality isn't a problem for Jussi Markkanen of the Edmonton Oilers, and it's earned him a spot on Team Finland's roster for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake.
Markkanen, who has seen action in just two games as Tommy Salo's backup with the Oilers, to go with four appearances in the minors with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs this season, joins Jani Hurme of the Ottawa Senators and Pasi Nurminen of the Atlanta Thrashers as Team Finland's goaltenders.
'VERRY HAPPY'
Markkanen's selection makes the Oilers the only NHL team with both of its goaltenders slated to play in the Olympics.
"I'm very happy I'm one of them," Markkanen said after getting the news yesterday morning. "I haven't talked to the coaches yet, but, obviously, Hurme is the No. 1 goalie. We are backing him up, so it's kind of the same job."
Markkanen, 26, has spent most of his time cheerleading for Salo, who made his 30th appearance of the season last night against the Detroit Red Wings, but he's been reliable when called upon.
In his only start of the season, Markkanen made 27 saves in a 2-0 shutout of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks Nov. 28, becoming just the 14th goaltender in NHL history to record a shutout in his debut. Markkanen also relieved Salo for the final 40 minutes in a 5-0 loss to Dallas Dec.7.
"I think I'm ready," laughed Markkanen, asked if he'll be rested enough for his Olympic debut. "It's going to be fun. Of course, it's a big tournament, especially when it's been played in North America. I just try to work hard and try to be ready when they tell me I'm going to play."
While Markkanen is somewhat anonymous in NHL circles, he is no stranger to Team Finland's head coach, Hannu Avarita, who announced Finland's 23-man roster yesterday.
Markkanen established a Finnish Elite League record last season with nine shutouts in compiling a 30-17-5 record and 2.09 G.A.A. in 52 games with Tappara of Tampere.
Salo, who'll suit up as Team Sweden's starter in Salt Lake, was the first to congratulate Markkanen, although, given Sweden's Olympic rivalry with Finland, all's fair in love and war.
"I've stopped talking to him now," kidded Salo, who has struck up quite a friendship with Markkanen in recent weeks. "I'm going to tell all my guys where to shoot on him."
SALO FOR SWEDEN
Markkanen and Janne Niinimaa will represent Finland, while Salo is the only Edmonton player with Team Sweden. Ryan Smyth is expected to be named to Team Canada's roster Saturday, Jochen Hecht will play for Team Germany and Todd Marchant should get a spot with Team U.S.A.
"It's kind of a unique situation with two goalies to the Olympics," Markkanen said of facing Salo in Salt Lake instead of backing him up. "Of course, Tommy's situation is different than mine. He is the No. 1 goalie here and the No. 1 goalie in Sweden."
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
