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14.02.2021

Northern Ostrobothnia award to ice hockey player Lasse Kukkonen

The Regional Board of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region has awarded the Northern Ostrobothnia Prize to ice hockey player Lasse Kukkonen.

Lasse Kukkonen is an ice hockey player, Olympic medalist and world champion from Oulu. He has always emphasized the importance of the Northern Ostrobothnian roots and made the region well known.

Kukkonen has Influencingd and continues to Influencing through his example both through hockey and outside the ice hockey rink. He has played a significant role and an exemplary role as an Influencingr and developer of Kärppie's junior and youth work. A great importance for young players has been Kukkonen's way of encouraging and inspiring them in their starting career.

For Lasse Kukkonen, Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia have always been a big part of life. "This award is a big recognition for the whole team and community I was honoured to be part of during my career," Kukkonen emphasises.

Kukkonen played his entire Finnish league career in Oulun Kärpi. He celebrated four Finnish championships in Kärpi and was involved in raising the team to the highest league level. Kukkonen has played in the NHL League, AHL Farm League, Russian KHL League and Swedish Elitserien, but always returned to Oulun Kärppi. He has represented the Finnish national ice hockey team in both junior and adult high-level competitions and won numerous high-level medals in these.

Kukkonen is remembered above all as a unique team and dressing-room player, and he has served as a captain on several occasions in his career. He has played the role of a bridge builder and this has also been reflected in the way he has performed his role.

In October 2020, the home opening match of the Kärppien Liiga season was the end of Lasse Kukkonen's career. He has been elected to the Board of the Kärppä Foundation, which focuses on supporting and developing junior ice hockey in Oulu and Northern Finland. In addition, Kukkonen offers psychological coaching for young people and management training for business leaders through its own company.

The prize is a miniature sculpture designed by sculptor Sanna Koivisto, which symbolizes the region of Northern Ostrobothnia. The award was presented by Pirjo Sirviö, President of the Regional Assembly of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, Matias Ojalehto, President of the Regional Assembly, and Pauli Harju, President of the Regional Assembly, on 14 February 2021.

Northern Ostrobothnia Prize

The Northern Ostrobothnia Prize is awarded for life's work for the benefit of Northern Ostrobothnia or for work that has made Northern Ostrobothnia known and strengthened its identity.

Previously, the Northern Ostrobothnia Prize has been awarded to Professor Seppo Säynäjäkangas 2005, Senior Lecturer Marketta Viitala 2006, Oulu Kärpät Oy 2007, Senior Lecturer Pentti Lampinen 2007, University of Oulu 2008, nature photographer, fil.tri h.c. Hannu Hautala 2009, regional Governor Eino Siuruainen 2010, M.Sc. (Tech.), Doctor of Science (Tech.), Juha Hulkko 2011, Airport Manager Pekka Mäntynen 2012, Senior Lecturer Marja Irjala 2013, Conductor Timo Hannula 2014, Professor Anssi Paasi 2015, cartoonist Jari Elsilä 2016, Mayor Matti Pennanen 2017, Opera singer Soile Isokoski 2018, Industrial Counsellor Veijo Sydänmetsä 2019 and Professor, Research Rector Taina Pihlajaniemi 2020.