The 21-year-old set a career high with three points (1-2), including the game-winning goal, in a victory over the Eastern Conference leading Hamilton Bulldogs Wednesday night. He added an assist on the club's second goal in a 3-2 overtime loss at Springfield on Friday and scored the game-tying goal in what became an Albany 3-2 overtime win over the Providence Bruins Saturday night.
In recognition of his achievement, Jokela will receive a Sher-Wood leather jacket, presented to him during an on-ice ceremony prior to an upcoming game. In addition, Sher-Wood will donate five travel bags to the Junior Albany River Rats, in Jokela's name. Jokela was drafted as New Jersey's 5th choice, 96th overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He is in his first North American season and leads all Albany defensemen with four goals this season. Each of his goals has come on the power play, tying him for tops on the roster with the man advantage.
Other players nominated for Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week include Chicago right wing Rob Brown, Grand Rapids left wing James Black, Hamilton right wing Michael Henrich, Houston center Shawn Carter, Lowell center Craig MacDonald, Milwaukee left wing Jason Goulet, Norfolk center Tyler Arnason and Worcester center Jeff Panzer.