Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is currently on break from November 8-12 so that players can participate in international competition during that time frame. One such competition is the Karjala Cup, which is the first leg of the European Hockey Tour and which is primarily taking place in Helsinki, Finland.

Nations competing for the Karjala Cup in 2017 are: Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Switzerland, and Canada.  Canada and Switzerland are participating in this tournament for the first time. Starting on Thursday, November 9, all games are to take place at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki. However, the earliest two games, played on November 8, took place elsewhere, with the Swedes playing the Czechs in Behrn Arena in Örebro, Sweden, and the Canadians playing Switzerland in Tissot Arena in Biel, Switzerland. The participating countries will use this tournament as an opportunity to evaluate potential players for their Olympic teams.

Several former Capitals are participating in this tournament.  The roster for the Czech Republic includes former Caps Jakub Klepis (2005-06, 2006-07) and Tomas Kundratek  (2010-11, 2011-12).  Klepis is one of the Alternate Captains for the Czechs.  The Canadian roster includes Wojtek Wolski (2012-13) and former backup goaltender, Justin Peters (2014-15).  It also includes Christian Thomas, who played the 2016-2017 season with the Hershey Bears but is playing for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins this season. The Finnish roster includes defenseman Sami Lepisto (2007-08, 2008-09).  The Swiss, Russian, and Swedish rosters include no former Capitals.  The most notable Swedish player is young defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who is expected to be the first pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft next summer.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jgX4UNfOij8

Thus far in the tournament, the Czech Republic has won one game and lost one.  Klepis has recorded one assist in each of those games. Kundratek, Wolski, and Lepisto have not yet scored or recorded any assists.

By Diane Doyle

Further Reading

Web Site for Karjala Cup:

Article from Euro Hockey site on players to watch