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Lasse KukkonenProfessional Finnish ice hockey player, defenseman.
Date of Birth: 18.09.1981
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- NHL Draft and Career
- KHL Career and International Success
- Personal Life
- Awards and Accomplishments
Early Life and Career
Born in Helsinki, Finland, Toni Lydman began his hockey career at the age of five. He played for various youth teams in his hometown before joining HIFK Helsinki's junior system at the age of 16. Lydman quickly rose through the ranks, making his debut for the senior team during the 2000-01 season.
NHL Draft and Career
In 2003, Lydman was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 5th round (151st overall) of the NHL Entry Draft. He spent four seasons with the Blackhawks before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007. Lydman played in Philadelphia for two seasons before signing with the Finnish club Kärpät in 2009.
KHL Career and International Success
Lydman joined the Russian KHL in 2009, playing for Avangard Omsk and then Metallurg Magnitogorsk. During his time in the KHL, he helped Magnitogorsk win the Gagarin Cup in 2014 and 2016. Internationally, Lydman represented Finland at the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics, winning silver and bronze medals, respectively. He also won a gold medal at the 2011 IIHF World Championship.
Personal Life
Toni Lydman is married to Anna-Kaisa Lydman and has two daughters, Wilma and Mona Anastasia. He currently resides in Helsinki, Finland.
Awards and Accomplishments
Silver medalist, Winter Olympics (2006)Bronze medalist, Winter Olympics (2010)
Gold medalist, IIHF World Championship (2011)
Champion, Finnish SM-liiga (2005)
Champion, Gagarin Cup (2014, 2016)
Participant, KHL All-Star Game (2010)
Winner, World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (1999)
Silver medalist, World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (2001)
