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Wolves top pick in Import Draft commits to Sudbury

Finnish netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will suit up for the Wolves this season
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The Sudbury Wolves announced Thursday that their first round, third overall Import selection, Finnish goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, has committed to the hockey club for the upcoming season. (File)

The Sudbury Wolves announced Thursday that their first round, third overall Import selection, Finnish goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, has committed to the hockey club for the upcoming season.

Luukkonen, the first goalie selected in the 2018 CHL Import draft by the Wolves and was also the first European goalie selected in the 2017 NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round, 54th overall.

“I am very happy to announce that following many positive discussions, Ukko-Pekka has made the decision to commit to the Sudbury Wolves and the OHL for this upcoming season. He is a World U18 Gold and Silver medalist and a first-rate goaltender that both the Sudbury Wolves and the Buffalo Sabres are very high on,” said Wolves GM Rob Papineau.

“He is a physical presence in the goal crease, a great athlete and a young man that is eager to step into our organization and help our hockey team succeed. Over the past two years, we have made many positive changes within the organization and it is nice that the hockey community is taking note and showing confidence in what we are doing and where we are headed.”

At 6-4 and 209 lbs., Luukkonen spent the majority of last season with Leki in Mestis in Finland, where he had a 2.92 GAA and 0.909 save percentage in 24 games played. He also represented Finland in the World Junior Championships held in Buffalo.

“I am excited for the opportunity and next chapter of my hockey career to play for the Sudbury Wolves,” said Luukkonen. “I am looking forward to helping the Sudbury Wolves any way I can to succeed and grow as an organization. I am very excited to get to Sudbury to meet my teammates.”

Luukkonen is currently with the Finnish National team as they prepare to participate in the Sportchek World Junior Showcase in Kamloops, BC.

“We are very pleased that Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be joining the Sudbury Wolves,” said Steve Greeley, Assistant General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres. “Rob Papineau and Cory Stillman were very thorough in their drafting and recruiting of Ukko. We are excited to work alongside the Wolves in Ukko’s development.”

Luukkonen is expected to travel back to North America and to Sudbury Aug. 25 in preparation for the 2018/19 season and training camp when it opens at the Sudbury Community Arena on Aug. 28.


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