Karalahti Gets Visa After Taking Drug Test

A drug test, taken at the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki, Finland, helped break a two-month diplomatic logjam and got Jere Karalahti into the United States.

Karalahti, called the best defenseman in Europe last season and a King employee since last summer, arrived in Southern California on Tuesday after being held up in his native country because of his problems with heroin.

As many as 10 meetings between government officials and Kings’ negotiators were required to get a waiver that allowed him to obtain a visa.

Karalahti, who will play at Long Beach tonight before joining the Kings on Thursday, said he will be tested at least twice more this season. “It’s part of my history,” he said of problems that included an arrest and rehabilitation. “I can’t do anything about that.”

Karalahti, who has tested clean the last two years while playing with Finland’s national team, has joined the voluntary drug assistance program that is run through an agreement between the league and player’s association.

Karalahti said he does not yet know where he fits in with the Kings, though he has maintained contact with fellow Finns Aki Berg and Marko Tuomainen.

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King goalie Stephane Fiset underwent an MRI which found no broken bone in his hand, which was bruised when hit by a shot while warming up for a game against Edmonton a week ago. Fiset is day-to-day, though coaches have talked about a two-week recovery period.