Reko Alanko, a promising defensive prospect recently drafted by the Utah Mammoth, is set to participate in the Pitsiturnaus tournament in Rauma, Finland. This preseason tournament marks a significant milestone in Alanko's career as he faces his first test against professional competition.
Alanko, born on July 15, 2007, is an 18-year-old Finnish defenseman with considerable size, standing at 6'5" and weighing 201 lbs. The Utah Mammoth selected him in the sixth round, 182nd overall, in the 2025 NHL Draft. He is considered a defensive defenseman, and is also described as a physical, two-way defenseman.
Prior to being drafted, Alanko played in junior leagues in Finland. Most recently, he played for Jokerit U18 and U20 teams. Now, the Pitsiturnaus tournament offers Alanko a chance to showcase his skills against seasoned professionals. This will provide invaluable experience and a clear assessment of his readiness for higher levels of competition.
The Pitsiturnaus tournament is a prestigious preseason event held annually in Rauma, Finland. It attracts teams from various levels of Finnish hockey, offering young talents like Alanko a platform to compete against established players. For Alanko, this tournament is more than just a series of games; it's an opportunity to demonstrate his potential to the Utah Mammoth and gain crucial experience in a professional environment.
Evaluations of Alanko highlight both his strengths and areas for improvement. He is considered solid on the offensive end and can effectively transition the puck from the defensive zone. However, his skating has been identified as a weakness, which could be a disadvantage given his size. The Pitsiturnaus tournament will be a valuable opportunity for him to work on his skating and overall mobility against faster, more experienced opponents.
The Mammoth's decision to draft Alanko reflects their belief in his long-term potential. His size and defensive capabilities are valuable assets, and with further development, he could become a significant contributor to the team. The tournament will provide the Utah Mammoth with a chance to evaluate Alanko's progress and determine the best course of action for his development. Whether he returns to junior hockey in Finland or is assigned to a developmental league in North America, the experience gained in the Pitsiturnaus will be instrumental in shaping his future career.
Reko Alanko's participation in the Pitsiturnaus tournament is a highly anticipated event for both the player and the Utah Mammoth. It represents the first step in his journey to becoming a professional hockey player and offers a glimpse into his potential impact on the Mammoth's future.
