Superstar Sudbury Wolves goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been voted the OHL goaltender of the year, the team and league announced Friday.
Luukkonen is the first member of the Wolves to win the award. He tied for the league lead with 38 wins and six shutouts, while also posting the OHL’s third best GAA with 2.50 and the best save percentage with .920. His strong play helped lead the Wolves to their most successful season since 1994-95.
“I am very honoured to be named OHL goalie of the year,” Luukkonen is quoted as saying in a news release. “I want to thank my teammates and all of the Wolves fans who stood behind us the whole year. I also would like to thank our owner Dario Zulich and our general manager Rob Papineau for taking a chance with me, and drafting me in the import draft as well as for creating an amazing environment for all our players to play in.”
Luukkonen also thanked head coach Cory Stillman, goalie coach Alain Valiquette, athletic therapist Dan Buckland and the rest of the Sudbury Wolves organization.
“I want to say thank you for pushing me and believing in me. I am very thankful for my billets Tammy and John Valtonen this season who gave me a second home.”
“We are extremely proud and happy for Ukko on winning this award,” Wolves GM Rob Papineau is quoted as saying in the news release. “
We knew when we drafted Ukko that we were drafting a great goaltender. It quickly became very obvious that he was also an outstanding teammate and individual who is an amazing leader.”
Luukkonen's character is as great has his puck-stopping ability, Papineau said, leaving a positive impression on the team that will be felt for years to come.
“His dedication, his focus and his preparation both on and off the ice are second to none,” he said. “His support of the community of Greater Sudbury and the significant Greater Sudbury Finnish population, as well as the time he made available for young fans was remarkable. We thank Ukko for his time in Sudbury and we wish him tremendous continued success with the Buffalo Sabres and throughout his entire career.”
For the full league release, got to the OHL's website.
Here's a look back on Luukkonen's top saves of the year.
