Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been stellar in the ECHL. ©2020, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Amerks recall Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from ECHL

The Rochester Americans, who have allowed 18 goals over a four-game losing streak, recalled top Buffalo Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from the ECHL this morning.

Amerks general manager Randy Sexton recently said Luukkonen, 20, would play games with Rochester during the second half of the season. So despite the Amerks’ struggles, this could be part of the Sabres’ original plan for Luukkonen.

Update: Sexton told The Buffalo News that Luukkonen will spent a week with the Amerks before returning to the ECHL.

The Sabres sent Luukkonen to the Cincinnati Cyclones, their ECHL affiliate, in November after he recovered from hip surgery.

The Finnish rookie has been stellar for the Cyclones, compiling a 12-5-3 record with a 2.12 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage and three shutouts in 20 games.

Luukkonen was named an ECHL All-Star earlier this month.

The Sabres drafted Luukkonen, the Ontario Hockey League’s MVP and top goalie last year, in the second round in 2017, 54th overall. He played one game for the Amerks late last season.

The Amerks, who have lost eight of their last 11 games (3-7-1), have dropped to second place in the North Division following a fast start. They don’t play again until Friday, the start of a stretch of three games in three days.

Goalies Andrew Hammond and Jonas Johansson, an AHL All-Star, have played all 37 games for the Amerks this season.

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