The Winter Olympics are getting set to start in Milan, Italy at the end of the week. However, one of the Buffalo Sabres who was supposed to represent his country there, has gotten some bad news.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will miss the Winter Olympics this year

It’s a huge honor for professional players to be selected by their home country to represent them in the Olympics. Buffalo Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was just about to experience the pride of suiting up for Finland, but it appears as though an injury will hold him out.

The Sabres just shared the news today on social media that the lower-body injury that he sustained in a game against Toronto just days ago, on January 27th.

Instead, Boston goaltender Joonas Korpisalo will replace him in the net.

Luukkonen wasn’t the only Buffalo Sabre in the Olympics

It’s awful news for Luukkonen, who was very obviously excited for the opportunity to show the world his skills and represent his country.

Read More: Three Buffalo Sabres Invited To the 2026 Winter Olympics In Italy 

There are more Buffalo Sabres to still cheer for in the Olympics, though. Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has been invited by his country of Sweden, while Tage Thompson will represent the USA.

The Olympics will start this weekend

We are just days away from the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. They will begin on Friday evening. Men’s ice hockey is set to begin on February 11th.

It is one of the first times that pro players have been invited to play in the games since 2014. The NHL bowed out in 2018 in PyeongChang and again in Beijing in 2022.

20 Fun Facts About The Olympics

The most shocking fact is #17, but I think everyone secretly knew #6.

Read on to see the complete list of 20 fun facts below.

Gallery Credit: Kadie Daye, Getty Images

These New Yorkers Are Taking on the 2026 Winter Olympics

They trained here, grew up here, and are now, they’re headed to the Olympics. Scroll through to meet the New York athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Games.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

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