‘”It was something that built over time,” Lukkonen said. “There were a lot of games this season and it was something we couldn’t do much about. It was just building up and right now, Buffalo took care of all the things, took really good care of me and the rehab is going really fine. In summer time, the main point of focus is getting the rehab done and to be ready to skate as soon as I can.”‘
Archives for May 10, 2019
Western Conference Final to determine Sabres’ draft pick
‘The Sabres will receive the first-round draft pick of whichever team wins the seven-game series between Kane’s San Jose Sharks and O’Reilly’s St. Louis Blues. The loser’s first-round pick will be sent to the Anaheim Ducks to complete the Sabres’ pretrade deadline acquisition of Brandon Montour.’
Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named OHL’s MVP
‘Luukkonen enjoyed a terrific season, compiling a sparkling 38-11-2 record with a 2.50 goals-against average, a .920 save percentage and six shutouts in 53 games.’
Luukkonen wins Red Tilson as OHL’s most outstanding player
‘“From the start of the season, he was our best player in almost every game. He has a calm confidence about himself that allows him to control the outcome of a game. Ukko has all the tools to one day be a star in the National Hockey League.”’
Sabres coaching candidate Rikard Grönborg joins ZSC Lions in Swiss league
‘Grönborg has coached many of the NHL’s top Swedish stars at various points over the years but his last experience coaching in North American was as an assistant with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs during the 2004-05 season. Since then he has worked exclusively with the Swedish national program.’
Luukkonen named Most Outstanding OHL Player of the Year
‘After his season in Sudbury, Luukkonen joined the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League, where he earned a victory in the final game of the 2018-19 regular season, making 32 saves in a 4-2 win over the Belleville Senators. However, he is currently recovering from offseason hip surgery that he’s expected to make a full recovery from within the next six months. Luukkonen is expected to take over the starting duties in goals for the Amerks next season.’
So no Grönborg?
‘The 50-year-old Grönborg had reportedly been interested in returning to North America to take a coaching job in the NHL, and it had been speculated that the Sabres were a team that had interviewed with the Swedish National Team head coach. However, he has decided to stay in Europe and sign a two-year contract to coach in Zurich, Switzerland.’
Wolves’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen voted Red Tilson Trophy winner as OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year
‘“I am so honoured to have been named the Red Tilson Award winner,” Luukkonen said. “There are so many great players in the OHL who could have won this award and I am humbled to have been chosen. I want to thank the Sudbury Wolves organization for giving me a chance to play. I want to especially thank my teammates, Owner Dario Zulich, GM Rob Papineau, and my coaches, including goaltender coach Alain Valiquette and trainer Dan Buckland, for everything they have done for me.”’
Luukkonen named OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year
‘He also finished second and third among all OHL netminders with a .920 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average, respectively, while his 38 wins set a franchise record for the Wolves, who advanced to the postseason for the second time in three years following a second-place finish in the OHL’s Central Division.’