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Niko KapanenFinnish ice hockey player, center forward
Date of Birth: 29.04.1978
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Early Years
- NHL Draft and Dallas Stars
- NHL Career
- KHL Success with Ak Bars Kazan
- International Career
- Youth and Other Accolades
Early Years
Niko Kapanen began his hockey career in 1995 with HPK in Hämeenlinna, Finland, where he played for five seasons. He then moved to TPS in Turku, Finland, for the 2000/01 season.
NHL Draft and Dallas Stars
In 1998, Kapanen was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 6th round (173rd overall). He joined the Stars in 2001 and remained with the team until 2006, except for a brief stint with the Utah Grizzlies of the AHL in 2001/02 and a season with HC Zug in Switzerland during the 2004/05 lockout.
NHL Career
After leaving Dallas, Kapanen played for the Atlanta Thrashers and Phoenix Coyotes.
KHL Success with Ak Bars Kazan
In 2008, Kapanen signed with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL. He played with the team for five seasons, winning the Gagarin Cup in 2009 and 2010.
International Career
Kapanen has represented Finland on multiple international stages. He won a silver medal at the 2006 Olympics, a bronze medal at the 2010 Olympics, and the world championship in 2011. He also earned silver medals at the world championships in 2001 and 2007 and bronze medals in 2000 and 2008.
Youth and Other Accolades
Kapanen won the world junior championship with Finland in 1998. With TPS, he won the Finnish championship in 2000/01. He was also named to the NHL YoungStars Game in 2003.
