SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has recalled forward Henrik Haapala from Florida’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

 

Haapala, 23, has appeared in 11 games with Springfield, producing seven points (2-5-7).

 

In 51 games with Tampere Tappara (Liiga) during the 2016-17 season, Haapala recorded a league-leading 45 assists and 60 points (15-45-60). The 5-foot-9, 165-pound native of Lempaala, Finland was awarded the Veli-Pekka Ketola Trophy as Liiga’s points leader. 

 

He won his second consecutive Liiga Championship in 2017, posting nine points (2-7-9) in 16 playoffs games. Haapala played alongside Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov in Tappara during the 2012-13 season.

 

Internationally, Haapala won a gold medal with Team Finland at the 2014 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, recording three points (1-2-3) in seven games.

 

Undrafted, Haapala was originally signed as a free agent by Florida on June 1, 2017.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships. Packages start at just $12 per game, and Thunderbirds Full Season Ticket Members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visitwww.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.