Janne LAUKKANEN

Janne Laukkanen started to play hockey at the Finnish Championships in 1988 with Reipas Lahti. In 1991 he moved to HPK Hämeenlinna and then in 1994 played one season in the Czech Republic with HK České Budějovice. Laukkanen was drafted by the Québec Nordiques of the NHL in 1991 and joined the team and NHL in 1994. After playing with the Nordiques and their successor, the Colorado Avalanche for two seasons, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators where he played until 2000. In 2000 Laukkanen moved to the Pittsburgh Penguins and finished his playing career in 2003 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Internationally, Laukkanen played at three Olympic Games (1992, 1994, 1998) and at four World Championships (1992-94, 1998). He also played at the 1991 Canada Cup and the 1996 World Cup. Laukkanen won Olympic bronzes in 1994 and 1998 and World Championship silvers in 1992, 1994 and 1998. After finishing his sporting career, Laukkanen worked as an ice hockey coach. After serving as assistant coach of the Espoo Blues from 2004-05, Laukkanen worked as head coach of Karhu-Kissat Helsinki. Since 2012, he has been head coach of Lauttakylän Luja.