Ilkka Sinisalo was a Finnish ice hockey player who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and in Europe. He was known for his speed, agility, and scoring ability, and was a key player for several teams throughout his career.
Sinisalo began his professional career in Finland, playing for Tappara Tampere in the Finnish Elite League. He quickly established himself as a top scorer, and was named the league's Rookie of the Year in 1976. He continued to play for Tappara for several seasons, helping the team win two Finnish championships in 1977 and 1979.
In 1981, Sinisalo was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the eighth round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut the following season, and quickly became a fan favorite for his speed and scoring ability. He scored 39 goals in his rookie season, setting a new record for Finnish-born players in the NHL.
Sinisalo played for the Flyers for eight seasons, and was a key player on the team's "Legion of Doom" line in the early 1990s. He scored a career-high 40 goals in the 1984-85 season, and helped the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1985 and 1987.
After leaving the Flyers in 1989, Sinisalo played for several other teams in the NHL and in Europe. He played for the Minnesota North Stars, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, before returning to Finland to finish his career with Tappara.
Throughout his career, Sinisalo was known for his scoring ability and his speed on the ice. He scored a total of 204 goals and 239 assists in 581 NHL games, and was a key player on several successful teams. He was also a member of the Finnish national team, and represented his country in several international tournaments.
After retiring from hockey, Sinisalo remained involved in the sport as a coach and scout. He worked for several teams in Europe and North America, and was known for his keen eye for talent and his dedication to the game.
Overall, Ilkka Sinisalo was a talented and successful hockey player who made a significant impact on the sport during his career. He was a key player on several successful teams, and was known for his speed, agility, and scoring ability. He will be remembered as one of the greatest Finnish players to ever play in the NHL.
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