A harsh blow to Lukko – star forward on the operating table
Lukko has received unfortunate news about Santeri Virtanen‘s situation. The injury sustained by the forward in last Friday’s Tappara match requires surgical treatment.
Lukko announced in a statement on Tuesday that Virtanen will undergo surgery this week. Recovery and return schedule will be assessed only after the operation. The club will provide more information about the situation after the surgery.
The 27-year-old center has played seven Liiga matches this season, scoring 1+1=2 points. Virtanen moved to Rauma from Kiekko-Espoo for this season.
Virtanen was acquired by Lukko on a two-year contract, and he is expected to take responsibility at both ends of the rink. Sports director Kalle Sahlstedt described the new addition in the spring as a diligent two-way center who brings offensive power and reliability to defensive play.
Virtanen played his most effective regular season in Liiga with Kiekko-Espoo in the 2024–2025 season. The forward, who was part of the gold medal-winning team of the Young Lions at the 2019 World Championships, recorded 32 points with 11 goals and 21 assists in 51 games that season.
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