BUFFALO – Speedy forward Jenna Suokko has signed a contract to return to the Beauts for the 2022-23 Premier Hockey Federation season. Last season she became the first Finnish player in PHF history to score a goal and record a point – her first pro season in North America and with the Beauts. The 26-year-old winger is ready to embark on her 12th season of pro-level hockey.
“I wanted to re-sign with the Beauts because of the strong and passionate culture within the organization,” said Suokko. “Everyday life is athletically directed, and all the staff members live and breathe the Buffalo sports culture. It makes for a very unique and passionate environment to play hockey within. Buffalo reminds me of my hometown, Tampere. People are very similar, hardworking, and humble, but they remember to enjoy the little things in life. Buffalo feels like a home far away from home.”
The 5-foot-2 Suokko played in 18 of the Beauts 20 regular-season games in 2021-22. She went 2-5-7 for scoring during that time. Suokko created history in Buffalo’s home opener on Nov. 6 against Toronto. Assisting on Taylor Accursi’s third-period tally, Suokko became the first Finn to record a point in the PHF. She would be the first player from her country to score a goal in the league too when she deflected a shot past Minnesota’s Jenna Brenneman in a 6-2 Beauts’ victory over the Whitecaps on Feb. 6.
“Jenna is arguably the most determined player on our roster,” said Beauts GM Nate Oliver. “She is feisty and fast, and never lets up on the accelerator. Jenna is a real student of the game and one of the most coachable athletes you could ever hope to meet. She is always trying to find ways to give more and do more.”
Seven of Suokko’s 11 professional seasons have been played for Ilves in Finland’s Naisten Liiga. During that time, she scored 94 goals, 95 assists, and 189 points in 191 games averaging almost exactly a point per game. The season prior to joining the Beauts, Suokko scored 22 goals in 28 games for Ilves, tying her for the second-most goals in the Naisten Liiga in 2020-221.
At the international level, Suokko represented Finland at three different Women’s U18 World Championships. She went 3-4-7 for scoring through 16 tournament games and helped lead the Finns to the bronze medal in 2011.
Looking ahead to her second season with the Beauts, Suokko wants to bring some hardware to the “City of Good Neighbors”.
“I am obviously hoping to win the Isobel Cup this year,” she said. “It takes a strong team culture and commitment to working hard day after day. We all believe in this team and organization.”
