Olympian Kapanen returning to Finland

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

PHILADELPHIA (AFP) — Three-time Olympian Sami Kapanen has decided to switch hockey addresses, trading in his North American job with the Philadelphia Flyers to return to his native Finland.

The 34-year-old, who played a dozen seasons in the National Hockey League, plans to play for a club team that he co-owns.

Kapanen was the consummate Finnish player, showing poise, grit and determination throughout his NHL career.

Kapanen joined the Philadelphia Flyers midway through the 2002-03 season and has appeared in 311 games with Philadelphia, collecting 44 goals and 66 assists.

Kapanen scored 189 goals and 458 points in 831 career games with the Flyers and the Hartford Whalers-Carolina Hurricanes franchise.

Kapanen played in 87 postseason games,...