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Cougars find some Finnish at CHL Import Draft

The Prince George Cougars wasted little time in improving its roster ahead of the upcoming season.

During the CHL Import Draft this morning (Tuesday), the Cougars selected forward Jonni Karkkainen of Finland with the 12th overall pick.

Last season, the 17-year-old collected 18 points in 29 games with HIFK Helsinki in the Finland Junior B league.

“Jonni is a solid all-around player with great size already,” said Cougars’ General Manager & Head Coach Mark Lamb.

“He has natural leadership abilities as he was a captain for his team in Finland. He has all the intangibles you look for in a young player. He’ll fit right in.”

The Cats were slated to pick 72nd overall in the second round but have passed on that selection.

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Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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