Fans Want To Know: Joni Pitkanen

by Bob Wage on Nov 16, 2010 11:15 AM EST

Toward the end of last season we started a new feature here at Canes Country which we called, "Fans Want To Know." It turned out to be very popular, so we are giving it another go this season.

Were you ever curious about something regarding one of the Hurricanes? This could be your chance to find out the answer. Every couple of weeks, we will choose a new player and allow readers to submit questions for that player. Then we will pick out the most interesting questions, ask them to the featured player, and report the answers back here on the blog.

Last year we did this for Tom Kostopoulos and Jamie McBain. First player on the list this season is Joni Pitkanen.

Pitkanen is currently tied for the scoring lead among Canes defensemen with 8 points. The Oulu, Finland native was one of the leading scorers for the Hurricanes last season as he knocked in 6 goals and 40 assists for a total of 46 points. He also led the entire league in average time on the ice. The smooth skating defenseman is in the final year of his three year contract with Carolina.

Do you have any questions for Pitkanen? Here is your chance.

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Comments

How does having teammates that are fellow countrymen affect your comfort level on and off the ice and will this be a factor in your decision when the time comes to sign a new contract?

by Killswitch on Nov 16, 2010 11:49 AM EST reply actions 3 recs

Love this one!

Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU

by Jamie Kellner on Nov 16, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

What do you enjoy doing, either as a hobby or to relax, when you are not playing hockey?

by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 16, 2010 11:54 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

sauna

"a bit of love"

by chrisj on Nov 16, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

Having a quiet candlelit dinner with TT, discussing his life as an elite NHL goalie…

by max creek on Nov 16, 2010 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

Why do you use a stick that’s clearly too short for you? Most would feel that a dman using a stick too short would be a distinct disadvantage in the defensive zone. Have you attempted to use a longer stick and if so what were the results?

by Go_Shelf on Nov 16, 2010 12:12 PM EST reply actions

LOL. So out of curiosity, what size stick did you use when you were an NHL defenseman.

by wylde4canes on Nov 16, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions

One that was appropriate for my height.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 16, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

i want to know why he hasnt tried the quick pass to jussi sliding up the middle during a power play more often this year. i think ive only seen it once or twice? it was a pp staple last year? (and it worked)

"a bit of love"

by chrisj on Nov 16, 2010 12:50 PM EST reply actions

I would rather demand that he signs a long-term contract for really cheap!

by hurricane9 on Nov 16, 2010 2:52 PM EST reply actions

When carving your pumpkin in October, did you just look in the mirror for ideas??? In all seriousness, how do you feel about being placed on the ASG ballot? What is your favorite thing about living in Raleigh??

by max creek on Nov 16, 2010 5:28 PM EST reply actions

ha ! i was going to say do you eat pumpkins and if so is there a conflict of interest?

or are you into cannabalism

by zippy8 on Nov 16, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions

Do you prefer to have the lengthy time on ice numbers or does it at some point become an issue with you? And if your TOI went down this season, would that be welcomed or concerning?

by jb_online on Nov 16, 2010 5:33 PM EST reply actions

Will he take a ‘home town discount’ like Corvo to stay here and play after this season? Because you know we aren’t going to have the money to give you a raise, right?

Staal for ALL-STAR CAPTAIN

by canescup on Nov 16, 2010 5:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Can we ask about his family? Did anyone come to Montreal for father’s weekend? I also wondered about the cocker spaniel or other ways he’s settling into life in Carolina. Does he consider Raleigh his home now?

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 16, 2010 6:19 PM EST reply actions

How does he deal with the highs and lows of being a Carolina Hurricane? It’s been a crazy couple years here – can he describe any thoughts he has on getting through it in one piece? What’s the best memory? When was it the worst?

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 16, 2010 6:22 PM EST reply actions

Exactly what ARE you looking at when you look into the stands? Is it really the shiny objects?

Actually I’d like to hear more about his experience in front of his home country. Maybe I missed it but I don’t think he got a lot of press in that regard.

Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU

by Jamie Kellner on Nov 16, 2010 7:25 PM EST reply actions

Took the words right out of my mouth LTD. :)

"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."

by caniacgirl on Nov 17, 2010 7:29 AM EST up reply actions

What is his favorite thing about the US, and the one thing he misses most from home?

"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason

by jenniwa30 on Nov 16, 2010 7:44 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Good question!

And interestingly enough, it was actually asked of all the Finnish players that were at the games in Helsinki. They had two separate segments on the jumbotron, one for what you liked and one for what you missed. I was hoping Canesvision would get their hands on them and perhaps publish with subtitles since it was all in Finnish, and they published the videos that were in English, but perhaps they didn’t think there would be much interest or was too hard to translate/sigh…

Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU

by Jamie Kellner on Nov 16, 2010 8:04 PM EST up reply actions