Topi Jaakola
Quick Facts
Biography
Topi Jaakola (born November 15, 1983) is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman. He is playing for Jokerit in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was drafted by the Florida Panthers, 134th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft however opted to remain in Europe to pursue his professional career.
Playing career
He played his first games at senior level during the 2000–01 season and became a regular player during the following season. He spent his entire Finnish career in the Liiga with Oulun Kärpät, winning four championships (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008). For the 2008–09 season he moved to Sweden to play in Södertälje SK.
On July 30, 2014, at the completion of his contract with HC Lev Praha, Jaakola remained in the KHL but returned to Finland in agreeing to a two-year contract with Jokerit.
In 2009, Jaakola was chosen to play for the Finnish national team in the World Championships.