Mike O’Leary moves from Iowa to Tampere.
Ilves’ center department is getting stronger. Matti Raivio / AOP
Tampere lynx announced on Wednesday evening that he had acquired Mike O’Leary with a comprehensive contract for the rest of the season.
O’Leary, 26, has played 40 games this season in the AHL’s Iowa Wild with an output of 0+3. The pace of the Canadian, who played both as a winger and a center, has waned since last season, when he scored 12+25=27 points in the AHL.
Before moving to the AHL, the 187-centimeter Canadian played in the American college series in the NCAA.
– O’Leary brings size, fighting power and versatility to Ilves, which we have been looking for in our offense for the spring matches. He has played versatilely in different roles in the AHL, offers us expertise and options also for starts and special situations, and brings competition to our center, said Ilves’ sports director Timo Koskela.
Ilves has long been looking for reinforcements specifically for its lower chains, especially for the center department. Now one was found.
– After watching his games and doing our own background investigation, we are convinced that Mike will be able to help us during the rest of the season. He is excited to come to Finland and will arrive in Tampere already tomorrow, Koskela continued.