| Born on March 18, 1960 in Helsinki, Finland. Kurri started his pro career as a winger with Jokerit Helsinki from 1977-80. He joined the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL where he was a member of 5 Stanley Cup championships. Kurri's brilliant career also included stops with the Los Angeles Kings; the New York Rangers; the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and finally a season with the Colorado Avalanche in 1997. In between he played for the Italian club Milano Devils in 1990-91 and briefly for Jokerit Helsinki in 1994. Kurri was a five-time NHL All Star, including two selections to the First Team, in 1985 and 1987. His Finnish national team career included appearances at the 1982, 1989, 1991 and 1994 IIHF World Championships, earning all-star recognition in '91 and '94. He also participated in the 1981, 1987 and 1991 Canada Cups and in 1996 at the World Cup. As a junior, Kurri was the hero when he scored the winning goal to give the host country Finland the gold medal at the 1978 IIHF European Junior Championship. The bronze medal Finland captured in 1998 highlighted Kurri's two Olympic tournaments. |
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