Report: Despite hip surgery Jokipakka expected to play in World Cup.

There was some serious concern when it came to 25 year old Calgary Flames defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka and his ability to participate in the World Cup of hockey.

Jokipakka was named to the Finnish World Cup team so there was no doubt about his ability to play for the squad, instead it was injury concerns stemming from an offseason hip surgery, as well as the progress in his recovery that left doubts about whether or not he would be available.

Thankfully for Jokipakka, fans of the Calgary Flames, fans of the Finnish team and the Finnish team itself, on Sunday Flames general manager Brad Treliving made a major announcement.

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“Everything is looking good,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said via the team's official website. “He’s been back here for a little bit of time now and our staff has had a chance to check him out. Everything looks good. He’s been training. He’s been skating. I think there are a couple final checks to do, but everything is looking positive.”

The Flames acquired the youngster at the deadline, and no doubt they are hoping that this World Cup experience against the world's elite players will be a major benefit to his progress in the NHL.