Finland's Jokerit to play in KHL starting in 2014

The owner of Finnish ice hockey team Jokerit says it will play in the Russian-led KHL starting with the 2014-15 season.

Harry Harkimo, the chief owner of the Helsinki club for more than 20 years ago, says he will remain owner and manager of the club but his Russian business partners will have an option of buying team shares.

Harkimo said on Friday the move to the KHL provided ''a fantastic opportunity to develop the team to an even higher level.''

Finland will be the ninth country to join the KHL, formed in 2008. It comprises 20 Russian clubs and teams from Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Belarus.

Jokerit has won six Finnish championships. Last season, it topped the Finnish Elite League after the regular season.