Bobby Clarke calls TB, TB calls Rape Prevention Hotline

[Ice Cream Jonsey]

Jesus. The 4th overall pick for Fedotenko and a couple picks. Huhn. I'm surprised it went for that little.

Here's what I dug up on Joni Pitkanen, the guy they selected today with the 4th pick:

JONI PITKANEN

Postion: Defence
Shoots: Left
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 202 lbs.
Birthdate: September 19, 1983
Hometown: Oulu, Fin
Team: Karpat (FIN)


Central Scouting Bureau Report
Ranked #1 Skater in Europe: A strong skater with good acceleration... excellent agility with good lateral movement... an intelligent player who anticipates the play very well... has very good puck-handling and passing skills... plays at a very good overall skill level... a tough competitor with a good work ethic... very reliable in the defensive zone... primarily a finesse player who can be punishing in the corners and in front of the net.

Accomplishments to Date
Completed his second season with Karpat in the Finnish Elite League... performed for Finland at the 2002 World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic, capturing the Bronze medal... ranked third among the tournament's top scoring defensemen, seventh on the team (1-3-4 in 7GP).

Bob McKenzie: The Flyers wanted to get into the Lehtonen sweepstakes but Pitkanen does it all. He moves the puck and plays a strong physical game. Unlike Lehtonen, he's already served his military duty.

REACTION: Well, Desjardins, you had a good run, buddy.

[Da King]

Jesus. The 4th overall pick for Fedotenko and a couple picks. Huhn. I'm surprised it went for that little.

Yeah, another PHENOMENAL move by the Lightning brass. Every year they get a top 5 pick, and every year they trade it away. Gets 'em real far, huh?

REACTION: Well, Desjardins, you had a good run, buddy.

Dude. He's a FINNISH defenseman. I cant think of ANY other Finn defensemen in the league. I wonder why...?