BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts announced a major signing for the team’s offense. Finnish scoring ace Jenna Suokko has signed a contract to join the team. The 26-year-old winger scored 22 goals in only 28 games for Ilves in Finland’s Naisten Liiga during the 2020-21 season. After 11 seasons played between her native Finland and nearby Sweden, Suokko will begin her professional career in North America.
“I decided to sign with Beauts after getting familiar with their strong will to work hard for women’s professional hockey,” said Suokko. “After seeing how much the organization is working for their players, I knew I’d love to become a Beaut.”
Suokko has scored 116 goals, 107 assists and 223 points in 249 Naisten Liiga games – an average of 0.90 points per game. Seven of her 10 seasons in the league saw her play for Ilves, including each of the past four seasons. Her 22 goals in 28 games tied her for the second-most goals scored in the Naisten Liiga in 2020-21. Her 36 points (22 G, 14 A) placed her seventh overall in the league. Since 2017-18, Suokko has tallied 60 goals in 111 games – a pace of better than a goal every two games.
“We really wanted to add another top-6 forward heading into Season 7 and we have done so with Jenna,” said Beauts GM Nate Oliver. “She came strongly recommended to us by a former member of the Finnish Women’s National Team, and we really liked her as soon as we met her. You have to love what Jenna can do on the ice. She is a bonafide sniper and she further accentuates that skill by having a great deal of speed. Jenna is very dangerous and you always have to be aware of her at all times.”
In addition to playing hockey in her homeland, Suokko played the 2016-17 season with Leksands IF in the SDHL. Internationally, she has represented Finland at three different Women’s U18 World Championships. Suokko went 3-4-7 for scoring through 16 tournament games. She helped lead the Finns to the bronze medal in 2011.
The crafty forward is looking to do some damage on the scoresheet when she arrives in Buffalo.
“I’m a speedy all-around winger with good offensive ability,” said Suokko. “I hope my strong work ethic both on and off the ice will best help the team.”
