Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (born 9 March 1999) is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing on loan for HC TPS of the Liiga as a prospect to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career
Luukkonen has formerly played for HPK of the Liiga and for LeKi of Mestis. After playing for HPK's U20 team, he was drafted by the Sabres, 54th overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

On 15 June 2018, Luukkonen agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. Luukkonen was selected third overall by the Sudbury Wolves in the 2018 CHL Import Draft.

In the 2018–19 season, his first in North America playing major junior hockey, Luukkonen set the Sudbury Wolves franchise record for most wins in a regular season and led the OHL in wins, save percentage, and shutouts.

On 12 April 2019, Luukkonen signed an amateur tryout contract with the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. On 14 April 2019, Luukkonen made his professional hockey debut with Rochester, earning a victory in a 4–2 win over the Belleville Senators. Following the conclusion of the 2018–19 season, Luukkonen underwent successful hip surgery.

On 18 August 2020, Luukkonen agreed to return to the Finnish Liiga on loan from the Sabres with HC TPS for an initial period of 4-6 weeks due to the delayed 2020–21 North American season.

International play
Luukkonen played for Finland in the U18 and U20 World Junior Championships. He won a gold medal at the U18 World Juniors in 2016, stepping in as starter when Leevi Laakso got sick and the silver medal in 2017. He won the gold again at the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in a 3–2 victory over Team USA and was named the media's pick for best goaltender of the tournament.

Personal
Luukkonen was born in Espoo, but he and his family moved to Hyvinkää when he was five years old. As a child, Luukkonen played soccer, floorball, and flute. His older brother, Nuutti Luukonen, also played hockey at the junior level.

Awards & Achievements

 * 2018–19 - OHL First All-Star Team
 * 2018–19 - OHL Goaltender of the Year
 * 2018–19 - OHL Red Tilson Trophy (Most Outstanding Player)
 * Luukkonen was the first European import player to win the Red Tilson Trophy.