International Hockey Roundtable
Peter Abbandonato signs in Finland
© Jamie Germano / USA TODAY NETWORK - Peter Abbandonato signs in FinlandCanadian center Peter Abbandonato has signed a one-year contract with Jukurit Mikkeli, the Liiga club announced on Tuesday.
“At the age of 26, Peter is approaching his best playing age and arrives in Finland and Jukurit with the goal of playing a strong season and thereby getting a new boost in his career,” said Jukurit development manager Mikko Hakkarainen.
Born in Laval, Quebec, Abbandonato played junior hockey for the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and took part in two Memorial Cups. In 2018-19, he recorded 111 points in 68 regular-season games, followed by 32 points in 21 post-season games as the Huskies won the Memorial Cup.
Undrafted, Abbandonato has spent the past five seasons in the minor-league systems of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins. He has recorded 123 points in 214 AHL games and 51 points in 49 ECHL games.
“For a long time, we have been looking for a top center to strengthen our offense, and with Peter, all the pieces fell into place,” Hakkarainen explained. “He is used to being in a prominent role and carrying the pressure of producing results throughout his career, no matter what league it is. He is exactly what we have been looking for.”
Established in 1970, Jukurit has played in the top-tier Liiga since 2016. The team has qualified for the playoffs twice in eight seasons but has advanced no further than the quarterfinals.
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