Sharks' Tommy Wingels headed to Finland

San Jose Sharks forward Tommy Wingels is heading overseas to play with KooKoo of the Mestis Hockey League, the second-highest league in Finland, according to a report from CSN Bay Area's Kevin Kurz.

The 24-year old Wingels had been one of the Sharks players that would skate on rented ice at the team's practice facility during the offseason, but the lockout has forced his hand to go and play elsewhere.

"It's disappointing and frustrating," he said. "You work all summer and prepare to start playing here, and you want to play games. We play this game because we love it, because the games are the most fun and best part about it. So, it's disappointing, but there's an onus on you to stay and shape and be ready."

Wingels saw time in 33 games with the Sharks last season, netting three goals and six assists for nine points. He signed a two-year contract extension with San Jose this summer. Other Sharks that have jumped ship to play overseas during NHL lockout include Jason Demers (Finland), Douglas Murray (Sweden), Joe Thornton and Logan Couture (Switzerland),