Jokerit reveals plans for the future after leaving KHL

Finnish team Jokerit Helsinki has finally revealed its plans for the future after leaving the KHL earlier this year due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In a lengthy release from the team, Jokerit states the main club will not function for the 2022-23 season, but will pursue a return to the Finnish Elite League (SM-Liiga) for the 2023-24 year.

"The club will submit its license application before the deadline set by the league which will then be processed by Liiga's annual general meeting," said the statement.

Jokerit will also look for co-owners to join Jari Kurri, who recently became the sole owner of the team after buying a 40 percent share from a mining company owned by Russian interests. The club will also look for a new place to play unless the ownership of Hartwall Arena, which is currently in the hands of a Russian company, changes before the start of the 2023-24 season.

Jokerit had been playing in the KHL since the 2014-15 season. Before that, it had been a member of the Finnish Elite League since 2002.

Here is the statement in full:

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