Meet Petteri Nokelainen.
His unofficial nickname, as uttered in passing by Todd Marchant: Nokia.
We like it.
Nokelainen was acquired from the Boston Bruins on Wednesday for Steve Montador. The 23-year-old Finn skated in Samuel Pahlsson's old spot, centering the checking line, in his first practice Thursday. He confirmed that he was already cleared to play earlier this week by the Bruins' staff after missing about three weeks with an eye injury.
Here's what Nokia had to say after practice:
On the last 24 hours: "It was a pretty hectic day. I didn't know what to think at first. But it's a good new challenge, and a good thing for my career."
On his role in Anaheim: "I'm probably more a defensive role. I hope it's more on offense than I was in Boston, and I can get some chances offensively too. But first of all I have to take it myself and show I'm worth it. It's playing center, playing against top lines and trying to shut them down."
On his role in Boston: "I played almost more wing in Boston, but most of the time I was playing center."
On fellow Finn Teemu Selanne: "It's unbelievable. He's somebody I grew up watching all the time. I had posters on my wall. It's pretty amazing."
On the Ducks' chances: "I think we've got a great chance to go to the playoffs, and go long in the playoffs as well."
About J.P.
J.P. Hoornstra has been covering the Anaheim Ducks since 2007. Eight months after the University of Wisconsin won its third NCAA hockey championship, he was born in a frigid Madison winter. He betrayed his blue-blooded beginnings by graduating from UCLA in 2003, and welcomes any and all dialogue on the finer points of hockey.
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