Hall of Fame Article - Mikko Lahtinen

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Mikko Lahtinen - Class of S78

 

Position: C

Birthplace: Finland

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 190 lb.

Drafted: S70 - 2nd Overall (Calgary Wranglers)

Username: @Beketov

 

 

The early to mid 70's was an interesting time in the VHL as the league experienced growth like it never had before. Through expansion and increased recruitment the league had never been as competitive as it was during that time, yet, when members look back they'll remember one player who still stood out above the rest despite the impressive depth of talent in the league. Mikko Lahtinen managed to stay dominant and consistent all though his last four seasons in the league as he was arguably one of the best if not the best player in each season, a feat only a few players could say during this time. In his prime Lahtinen was known as both a two way force and an offensive machine which is highlighted by his astounding three Scott Boulet and two Kevin Brooks trophy's. His ability to both keep the puck out of his own end and score in the other helped him and his team capture three victory cups during his career. However, surprisingly he never got to experience winning a continental cup despite coming achingly close many times during his eight season tenure. It's clear though that even without the ultimate prize Lahtinen was a proven winner as well as the most distinguishable player from his time in the league making him an obvious and welcome addition to the Hall of Fame class of S78.

 

 

Career Awards

 

S69 - Founders Cup

S72 - Victory Cup

S72 - Dustin Funk Trophy

S74 - Scotty Campbell Trophy

S74 - Brett Slobodzian Trophy

S74 - Kevin Brooks Trophy

S74 - Victory Cup

S74 - Scott Boulet Trophy

S75 - Scotty Campbell Trophy

S75 - Scott Boulet Trophy

S76 - Kevin brooks Trophy

S76 - Victory Cup

S76 - Brett Slobodzian Trophy

S76 - Mike Szatkowski Trophy

S76 - Scott Boulet Trophy

 

S68 (VHLM - Mississauga)

27 GP | 8 G - 8 A - 16 P | 0 | 26 PIM | 42 HIT | 0 SB

Playoffs: 5 GP | 1 G - 1 A - 2 P | +1 | 0 PIM | 8 HIT | 0 SB

 

Lahtinen's first taste of pro hockey came when he made the decision of joining the Mississauga Hounds in the VHLM as a waiver signing. Joining very late into the season as well as being one of the youngest players on the roster made it difficult for Mikko to get accustomed to the league at first, yet he still managed to post very respectable numbers posting 8 goals and 8 assists for a total of 16 points in 27 games. Mississauga's deep roster that included future stars such as Kris Rice, Patrik Tallinder and Brock Louth would power themselves into the playoffs finishing 4th overall in the league. Mississauga's and Lahtinen's post season though was short lived as they crashed out quickly in 5 games against Yukon. With 2 points in 5 games Lahtinen's had left a lot to be desired yet the hype for the young prospect was there regardless.

 

S69 (VHLM - Saskatoon)

72 GP | 44 G - 49 A - 93 P | +65 | 30 PIM | 69 HIT | 7 SB

Playoffs: 14 GP | 7 G - 11 A - 18 P | +14 | 8 PIM | 12 HIT | 2 SB

 

Lahtinen's second go around in the M was much more successful than the first. After entering the VHLM draft Saskatoon decided to put faith in the young phenom selecting him 4th overall, there Mikko was able to prove his worth and build hype around himself as the VHL draft day approached. While putting up some tantalizing offensive numbers, what was most impressive about his game was how he played in his own end. He was as defensively responsible as he was offensively dangerous which is shown by his incredible +65 plus/minus rating. This strong two way play drew the eyes of many VHL scouts and would hint to what was to come in the future. The Playoffs were no different for Lahtinen as he continued to lead his team and dominate at both ends of the ice. He along with the other stars on Saskatoon would lead the team first to a 4-0 series sweep over Yukon and then a 5 game rout of Halifax. This would bring Lahtinen and Saskatoon to the founders cup finals where they would meet Lahtinen's former team Mississauga. There Saskatoon would easily handle the hounds in 5 games winning the Founders Cup and finishing off a commanding playoff run where they had only lost 2 games.

 

S70 (VHL - Calgary)

72 GP | 6 G - 14 A - 20 P | +3 | 31 PIM | 79 HIT | 3 SB

Playoffs: 18 GP | 5 G - 2 A - 7 P | -5 | 60 PIM | 50 HIT | 2 SB

 

After his successful and impressive last season in the VHLM Lahtinen was picked up by Calgary second overall in the VHL draft behind only Calgary's other top two pick Edwin THE Encarnacion. Lahtinen joined a strong team filled with vets such as Barbash Jr and Jordan Tonn as well as some other future young stars including Kris Rice and RJ Jubis. Being on a team with this amount of depth meant ice time was scarce for Lahtinen which explains his low offensive output. Nevertheless, Calgary prospered as they finished 2nd in there conference comfortably qualifying for a playoff spot. There they would meet the D.C. Dragons who they would beat 4-2 in a tough 6 games series which put them into the semifinals against the dynasty Seattle Bears. Despite the tough opposition Calgary would defeat them in similar fashion through 6 games which meant Lahtinen would be heading to the Continental Cup finals in his very first season in the VHL. The Wranglers would face off against the Moscow Menace a team loaded with talent that included future hall of famers Jet Jaguar and Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen. Moscow had cruised through the playoffs at this point having only lost 1 game and would prove to be too tough of a test for the young Calgary team. The Wranglers would painfully be eliminated in game 6 ending Mikko Lahtinens hope of an early Continental Cup ring.

 

S71 (VHL - Calgary)

72 GP | 7 G - 22 A - 29 P | -7 | 80 PIM | 186 HIT | 6 SB

Playoffs: 6 GP | 1 G - 1 A - 2 P | -5 | 32 PIM | 14 HIT | 3 SB

 

Lahtinen's second season in the VHL was simular to his first with little offensive contribution due to lack of ice time. The only sizable difference from last season to this one was his physical play. Mikko focused much more on laying the body in his second season which resulted in more than twice the amount of hits he had the previous year, which had also lead to more penalty minutes. Calgary as a whole was also mostly the same as it was in S70 with little roster changes and with a mostly identical lineup which meant they had around the same amount of success. The Wranglers would finish 4th rather than 2nd this season but would still comfortably sit 6 points out of being eliminated from the playoffs. However, Lahtinen's and Calgary's playoff experience would be much different this time around as they would be eliminated early in the first round by the Vancouver Wolves in 6 games.

 

S72 (VHL - Calgary)

72 GP | 41 G - 43 A - 84 P | +41 | 161 PIM | 202 HIT | 22 SB

Playoffs: 19 GP | 8 G - 7 A - 15 P | +5 | 25 PIM | 68 HIT | 8 SB

 

After a slightly underwhelming start to his career Lahtinen's breakout season finally came on his go around. With 84 points in 72 games played Lahtinen saw a massive improvement in his offensive output with a 55 point increase from the previous season. Lahtinen had also improved massively on the defensive side of his game recording a +41 plus/minus on the season while also maintaining his physical presensce from last season. Mikko had now become the two way force that he was in Saskatoon during his last season in the VHLM. Expectedly Lahtinen won the Dustin Funk trophy by the end of the season for the most improved player in the league. As for Calgary they would win the Victory Cup for the best regular season record riding Lahtinen's strong play during the season. With the top seed Calgary would draw the Toronto Legion in the first round of the playoffs who would give them a tougher test than they thought they would. The Legion managed to take the Wranglers to seven games where Calgary would squeeze out a victory that would take them to the semifinals. There the Wranglers would face the New York Americans who would again take Calgary to a seven game war. Calgary would again barely make it out as they won 3-2 in game 7 scoring in he last 30 seconds in the third sending them to the finals for the second time in three seasons. The Riga Reign would be the team Lahtinen and Calgary would need to beat in order to secure the Continental Cup which was a tall task considering the Reign had not lost a game leading up to the finals where as Calgary played the maximum games possible going to seven games in both series. In the end the fatigue proved to be too much for Lahtinen and the Wranglers to overcome as they lost quickly in five games to Riga. While Lahtinen's performance wasn't as impressive as his play in the post season, he still remained a main contributor to the team with 15 points in 19 games and was a big reason why Calgary had advanced to the finals.

 

S73 (VHL - Calgary)

72 GP | 27 G - 48 A - 75 P | +44 | 131 PIM | 328 HIT | 28 SB

Playoffs: 14 GP | 9 G - 4 A - 13 P | +6 | 40 PIM | 75 HIT | 5 SB

 

Lahtinen managed to follow up his breakout year with another strong showing in S73 where he again scored above a point per game as well as continue his defensive dominance again recording over a 40 plus/minus. His physical game also took another leap forward as he recorded another 100 or so more hits than the season before. Calgary had also remained strong holding onto many of the young bright prospects who came up alongside Lahtinen including fellow center Kris Rice. Similarly to the seasons prior the Wranglers finished with a playoff spot and second in there conference. They would start there playoff campaign with another series against the New York Americans which would once again go to seven games and just like last time the Wranglers would find there way through. Next up was the semi finals where they were paired against the red hot Seattle Bears who were still in the midst of there golden age. Unfortunately, again Calgary came up short with another postseason failure in the last two rounds of the playoffs losing in seven games. For Lahtinen however these playoffs were the best of his career so far scoring at just under a point per game. This didn't take away from his disappointment though as his shortcomings in the playoffs were mounting.

S74 (VHL - Moscow)

72 GP | 61 G - 62 A - 123 P | +42 | 129 PIM | 306 HIT | 21 SB

Playoffs: 5 GP | 2 G - 3 A - 5 P | +1 | 16 PIM | 12 HIT | 1 SB

 

After finishing the first half of his career with Calgary Mikko was surprisingly dealt all the way to Moscow in exchange for Ryo Yamazuki along with a 1st and a 2nd. As Calgary decided to retool with younger players, Lahtinen would be shipped off to a team that would perhaps suit him more. Moscow was a strong team entering there prime Just like Lahtinen with players such as Pavlov, Telker and Letang. With an entirely new team surrounding him with goals similar to theirs's it was no surprise to see the way Lahtinen thrived in his first season with the Menace. Mikko recorded a massive 123 points in just 72 games played which was good for second in the league scoring over 60 goals and assists. His plus/minus was an astounding +42 while recording over 300 hits as well. His offensive output showed an incredible improvement from the season prior as he recorded a whole 48 points more than he did in S73. His 61 goals was the highest in the league earning him the Kevin Brooks trophy. The awards didn't stop there though as he went on to win the Slobodzian Trophy for most outstanding player voted by the players as well as the Scotty Campbell for league MVP and the Scott Boulet for best two way forward. With Lahtinen's help Moscow would terrorize the league finishing 1st with 104 points earning them the Victory Cup and the top seed in the playoffs. There however, the success they had couldn't carry over as they suffered a quick and painful defeat in the first round to the Helsinki Titans.

 

S75 (VHL - Moscow)
72 GP | 36 G - 63 A - 99 P | +13 | 165 PIM | 374 HIT | 31 SB

Playoffs: 17 GP | 14 G - 8 A - 22 P | +7 | 30 PIM | 84 HIT | 7 SB

 

Lahtinen went through a bit of a sophomore slump in his second season in Moscow despite having the second best season of his career. His scoring dipped from 61 goals to 36 which resulted in a 24 point decrease which was still good enough for 4th in the league showing for a second straight season that he was one of the best. His slight dip in production also didn't stop him from racking up the awards as he again won the Scotty Campbell for league MVP as well as the Scott Boulet for best two way forward.
As far Lahtinen was concerned though, his regular season meant nothing until he could finally make an impact in the playoffs and win a Continental Cup. For him to do that Moscow would first need to get past the play in round where they faced the London United in a best of 5. In that Series Moscow managed to dominate winning 3-1 which qualified them for the second round. There, they would meet the Helsinki Titans who were the number one seed in the European conference and one of the favorites to win the cup, yet the Menace were able to grind out a thrilling 7 game series win putting them into the semi-final. After 5 seasons of post season disappointment it finally looked as if Lahtinen could catch a break and win the whole thing as Moscow had all the momentum heading into the last two rounds. Malmo had other idea's however and managed to play spoiler knocking off Moscow to eventually win the Continental Cup themselves. Despite the disappointment from not being able to make it to the finals Lahtinen still had his best playoff performance in his time in the VHL scoring 22 points in 17 games played. 

S76 (VHL - Moscow)

72 GP | 61 G - 60 A - 121 P | +45 | 160 PIM | 329 HIT | 27 SB

Playoffs: 14 GP | 12 G - 15 A - 27 P | +5 | 22 PIM | 41 HIT | 3 SB

 

After experiencing a dip in production in his second season in Moscow Lahtinen responded by equaling his extremely successful S74 season dominating the league with 121 points in 72 Games played. His goal scoring rose right back to where it was before recording 60 for the second time in his career. He again was Physically dominant with over 300 hits and continued to build on his reputation as a two way monster with a 45 Plus/Minus. Expectedly His trophy case got another upgrade as he managed to win the Brooks Boulet and Slobodzian all over again while adding his first Mike Szatkowski for leading the league in points. After having to go threw the play in round last season Moscow also returned to there best by capturing another Victory Cup giving them top seed in the post season once again. Lahtinen this time around was as desperate as he ever was in capturing the Continental Cup, knowing he had only two seasons left to do it. Mikko right away was playing out his mind for The Menace as they started against the play in winners Prague who still gave them a run for there money bringing them to 7 games. Thankfully, due to Lahtinen's outstanding play Moscow was able to push through in a thrilling 4-3 OT win. Moscow would then arrive to the semi finals for the second straight season facing the Young up and coming Warsaw Predators who had also overcome a 7 game series. Lahtinen's strong efforts pushed his team to yet another 7 game series giving Moscow their best shot at a finals appearance in the Lahtinen era. Heartbreakingly though, just like all the seasons prior Lahtinen and co couldn't get the job done in the end losing game 7 by one goal. In the end, Lahtinen had put up a ridiculous 27 points in just 14 games played showing his desperation to capture the one trophy he still couldn't quite reach. He finished first in points despite only playing two rounds which would've meant he'd be a lock for playoff MVP if only he had made it further. Nevertheless, he had now only one season left to capture the cup as his time had run thin.

 

S77 (VHL - London)

72 GP | 40 G - 51 A - 91 P | +33 | 155 PIM | 379 HIT | 25 SB

Playoffs: 6 GP | 1 G - 2 A - 3 P | -4 | 12 PIM | 27 HIT | 7 SB

 

For his last season in the VHL, Lahtinen was shipped off to London as Moscow prepared to enter a rebuild. There he would join a very promising team on paper which included a strong supporting cast with the likes of Kevin King and The Terrible Trivium. There, Lahtinen would perform similarly to S75 where he was a very good key contributor but not dominant as he had been with his two huge seasons in Moscow. London would use Lahtinen's talents to secure the second seed in the European conference where they would then match up against the Helsinki Titans to begin the last post season of Lahtinen's career. With a career so impressive it would have been fitting for Lahtinen to somehow come away with a Continental Cup in his final season, but, unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. The London United were quickly eliminated in the quarterfinals by Helsinki marking a bitter and frustrating end to a terrific career.

 

Career

576 GP | 279 G - 363 A - 642 P | +214 | 1012 PIM | 2183 HIT | 163 SB

Playoffs: 99 GP | 52 G - 42 A - 94 P | +10 | 237 PIM | 371 HIT | 36 SB

Mikko Lahtinen's time in the VHL could be split into two stories, one being the struggle that was the first half of his career in Calgary, the other being his incredible play in the second half with Moscow and London which has ultimately brought him to the Hall of Fame. In that time he collected a total of 11 individual trophies which is especially impressive considering the era he played in. The VHL in the 70's has grown to a point that hasn't been to before meaning that the league was as competitive as ever. So for a player to accumulate that many awards in the time that he played really makes you wonder where he places on the all time leaderboard.

[Baby Boomer 727]

9/10

Woow!! Incredible article, i love how you described each season of Mikko Lahtinen and tell which seasons were his best and why. I can see that you did a lot of research for that text and it is very nice to see. Keep up the good work and i hope to see more of these article.