Patrik Laine will join the Lions’ lineup in May.
The Finnish Ice Hockey Federation announces that Patrick Laine is in the Lions’ lineup in May.
Laine has been with Leijonii since the Czech EHT tournament. The tournament is scheduled for 4–7. May. The World Championships start on May 12 in Tampere.
– It is great for the team to have Laine on board and I believe that this is a unique opportunity for him to play in the World Cup in his hometown, Leijonien GM Jere Lehtinen glows in the announcement.
For Laine, the World Championships are the second in her career. Previously, Laine has played in the World Championships in the spring of 2016. At that time, Finland won silver, losing to Canada in the final. Laine shared the victory in the goal exchange of the tournament and was chosen as the youngest player of all time as the most valuable player of the World Cup tournament, the best attacker and star player.
Lions head coach Jukka Jalonen told Urheilu in mid-March that Laine would be interested in playing in the World Championships this spring.
– Patrik was already interested in coming to the World Championships last year, but he was badly injured before the Games. Yes, he has the same feeling even today. If nothing miraculous happens, Patrik might be available, Jalonen said.
After this, however, Laine was injured in the ranks of his NHL club Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus was one of the weakest teams in the NHL this season. Laine played his last NHL game this season on March 21.
The native of Tampere scored 22+30=52 in 55 games this NHL season.