JOKERIT repeat as champions!

Helsinki Jokerit repeated as champions of elite Finnish SM-league. Jokerit beat archrival TPS of Turku 4-0 in Helsinki on April, 6 and swept the best-of-five playoff series in three games. Jokerit didn't lose a single game in this year's playoffs. Achivement that further illustrates Jokerit's superiority in Finnish hockey 1997.

Jokerit is truly a great Finnish hockey club. The team has dominated Finland's SM-league in the 90's. This year's championship is fourth since 91-92 season, when Jokerit ended a 19-year drought by winning the Kanada Malja, which is the Finnish equivalent for the Stanley Cup. Jokerit's success has come in spite of constantly losing players to the NHL. SM-leagues salaries don't match to those of the NHL, therefore guaranteeing steady flow of players to North America. Best known former Jokerit-players are Jari Kurri and Teemu Selänne. Both are currently with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Young Eero Somervuori, who appeared in 19 games with the Jokerit, is expected to be drafted in upcoming NHL entry draft.