Kari Takko

Infobox Ice Hockey Player


image_size =
position = Goaltender
catches = Right
height_ft = 6
height_in = 2
weight_lb = 192
nickname =
nationality = FIN
birth_date = Birth date and age|1962|6|23|mf=y
birth_place = Uusikaupunki, FIN
draft = 97th overall
draft_year = 1984
draft_team = Minnesota North Stars
played_for = NHL
Minnesota North Stars
Edmonton Oilers
SM-liiga
Ässät
Elitserien
HV71
career_start = 1978
career_end = 2000

Kari Takko (born June 23, 1962 in Uusikaupunki, Finland) is a retired Finnish ice hockey goaltender.

Playing career

He played six seasons in the NHL, serving as a backup to Don Beaupre, Jon Casey and Bill Ranford. He was selected in the tenth round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, 200th overall, by the Quebec Nordiques, but was unable to come to contract terms. He re-entered the 1984 NHL Entry Draft and was this time drafted by the Minnesota North Stars.

Takko started his SM-liiga career in Ässät during the 1978–79 season and played on for seven seasons (1978–1985). Takko went to NHL after the 1984–85 season. He was contracted by Minnesota North Stars and played with them for a total of six seasons (1985–1991). During the 1990–91 season Takko was traded to Edmonton Oilers and played for the rest of the season (and his NHL career) in Edmonton. After retiring from NHL play, he played nine more seasons in Europe representing: Ässät (1991–1996), in SM-liiga, and HV71 (1997–2000), in Elitserien. Takko retired from playing after the 1999–2000 season.

Takko also played internationally for Finland, appearing for their national team for a total of 104 times.

Awards

* Silver medal at the World Junior Championships in 1981.
* Bronze medal at the World Junior Championships in 1982.
* Named Best Goalie of SM-liiga in 1985 and 1994.

External links

* [http://hockeygoalies.org/bio/takko.html HockeyGoalies entry]
* [http://www.nhlfinns.com/players.aspx?pid=88 Kari Takko] on nhlfinns.com