Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has started strongly in the ECHL. ©2019, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named ECHL goalie of week

Posting two shutouts in two games for the Cincinnati Cyclones helped Buffalo Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen earn ECHL Goaltender of the Week honors, the league announced today.

Luukkonen made 22 saves in a 1-0 win over the Allen Americans on Thursday and stopped 23 shots in a 5-0 victory against the Fort Wayne Komets on Saturday.

Overall, the Finn, 20, has compiled a 3-2-0 record with a 1.79 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage in five games with the Cyclones.

After undergoing hip surgery in late April, the Sabres sent Luukkonen to the Cyclones. He’s expected to join the Rochester Americans in the near future.

In other prospect news, Erik Portillo has been named the junior United States Hockey League’s Goaltender of the Week.

Portillo, 19, recorded a 0.99 goals-against average and a .956 save percentage in two wins for the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Overall, Portillo has compiled an 8-1-1 record with a 2.17 goals-against average and .907 save percentage in 10 games.

Portillo, a Swede the Sabres drafted in the third round in June, 67th overall, has committed to play college hockey at Michigan.

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