Played on Sep 28, 2025
Game Played in Rauma Jaahalli Aijansuo
General Game Notes: Report from Sunday’s game between Lukko and Jokerit, in which the home team was on the back foot for most of the match. Jokerit was the better side for the majority of the game and managed to control the win. The most even part of the game came in the second period.
Kasper Kuusikoski (G, L, 5’9″, 141, Jokerit U20, 05/24/2007)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Kasper is a smaller-sized goaltender, but very agile, mobile and with quick reflexes, which he demonstrated with a reflexive save on a tip already in the first period. He was active in playing the puck behind the net and showed his quickness through efficient post-to-post movements to make important saves when needed. We could also see how effectively he was able to find both the puck and the players even in situations where his vision was obstructed by traffic in front of the net – in these moments, he showed an exceptional success rate. He covered his angles very well and maintained strong positioning relative to the shooter, being able to move forward and back quickly and effectively depending on the situation.
Vito Agarth (LW, R, 5’8″, 160, Jokerit U20, 09/16/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Vito is a right-handed left winger of smaller size, playing on the third line and used on the first power-play unit. His strengths are movement, skating, acceleration, and especially his capability to generate strong straight-line speed to be the first on the puck. He used these qualities effectively also in his backchecking. He likes to play facing the game, which allows him to create space for smart passes, as we could see during this match. Another of his strengths is his soft hands, especially on open ice.
Reko Alanko (D, R, 6’6″, 205, Jokerit, 07/15/2007)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Reko Alanko is a tall, right-handed defenseman drafted in the sixth round by the Utah Mammoth in 2025. He was among the best players of the game and a decisive factor in his team’s victory. He delivered a consistent performance throughout the whole game. He was part of the second power-play unit as well as the penalty kill. Reko dominated especially in the second period, where he scored two goals – one in the power play after showing his soft hands and ability to go over the opponent and next from the blue line area after hard and accurate shot. It was an excellent two-way performance. He kept a close gap, played effectively on the D-Zone blue line using his stick, and showed strong defensive positioning. In a 1v1 situation where the attacker got past him, he used his size and active stick well to push the opponent toward the corner. Very good physical play – he protected his goalie and used his size effectively both in the net-front area in the defensive zone and on the power play in the offensive zone. His size and strength were most visible in board play, where he performed perfectly – using his body and active stick effectively in battles, either to hit the opponent and play the puck or to freeze the game to create a chance for his teammates to get the puck into the possession. For his size, he shows very good movement ability and puck protection, both in open ice and on the boards. He has a hard and accurate shot, and we could also see him trying to change the shooting angle to increase his scoring chances. Reko is characterized by hard and precise passing. Reko was also valuable for his team in the final minute of the game while leading by one goal – blocking a shot and winning a board battle behind the net, which led to his teammate sealing the win with the final goal, earning Reko an assist on the play.
Veeti Rasanen (LW, L, 6’2″, 190, Jokerit, 08/26/2006)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Veeti is a tall, left-handed left winger who played on the team’s second power-play unit. An agile and fast skater with good acceleration with the puck, quick changes of direction, and overall excellent skating versatility. He has soft hands, likes to play with the puck, and isn’t afraid to challenge defenders with dekes. He also tries to change the shooting angle to enhance a chance for scoring. He showed good zone entries, and in the first period, we could see an effective play where he quickly turned to slow the attack after entering the zone, to get the puck possession time and making good use of the width of the ice to active the weak side. Good board play in battles, and he also provided solid support on the boards to help his team regain puck possession. We could also see his active participation in faceoffs to gain possession and advantage for his team. Good backchecking and effective use of an active stick during defensive transitions.
Samuel Stromberg (C, R, 5’10”, 166, Jokerit U20, 09/28/2008)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Samuel is a right-handed center of smaller size who played on the third line, as well as on the first power-play unit and penalty kill. He was most noticeable in the first period. Overall, he is a player who is tough to play against. Very good physical play, strong forecheck and backcheck, and at times a very aggressive approach, especially along the boards. However, he showed good puck protection on the boards, always trying to turn and face the play. Never hesitates to provide support on the boards whenever it’s needed. Soft hands in receiving passes and effective use of the width of the ice.
Nicolas Kamarainen (D, L, 5’9″, 146, Jokerit U20, 09/17/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Nicolas is a left-handed defenseman of smaller size with highly developed hockey sense and great vision, which he demonstrated on both sides of the ice. He started the game excellently, opening the scoring just a few minutes in after moving effectively toward the middle and placing a precise shot to the left post. He continued his offensive contribution throughout the game, showing hard, accurate, and smart passes – including cross-ice or long stretch passes through half of the rink to find his teammates – as well as smart dump-ins that almost always ended up in the opposite corner, allowing his teammates to recover the puck and maintain possession in the offensive zone. Defensively, he showed great awareness, keeping his head on a swivel and maintaining a close gap. Strong play on the defensive blue line, using his body well to stop the opponent. The fact that he consistently tries to stay facing the play, combined with his great body positioning, allows him to mark players effectively and maintain solid defensive structure. As a recommendation, I would point to improving his consistency – the first period was phenomenal, the second was slightly weaker, and in the third he wasn’t as visible.
Renny Tainio (RW, L, 6’3″, 207, Jokerit U20, 03/21/2006)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Renny is a left-handed right winger from the second line, a taller player who was used on the team’s second power-play unit. He showed great hockey sense and game reading, combined with effective movement to find open space – both with and without the puck. He was willing to move quickly in the offensive zone to create space for himself, generate scoring chances, or move the puck to his teammates. An offensive driver and cerebral tactician who moves the puck quickly. Renny showed good skating ability with efficient movement. His passes were hard and accurate, and we could also see his skill of used a saucer pass to find a teammate rushing to the net. Extremely effective use of the middle of the ice – Renny consistently showed a desire to play through the middle. Great and smart board play, with quick direction changes toward the middle and effective zone exits. After recovering the puck on the boards, for example while moving forward, he looked to move it immediately toward the center of the ice. When his teammates were forechecking, Renny from the wing position showed excellent angling and awareness, covering the middle of the ice well. A strong performance throughout the entire game.
Jasper Inkinen (RW, L, 6’0″, 181, Jokerit U20, 02/14/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Jasper was one of the best players in the first period, but unfortunately, his performance slightly declined as the game went on. Still, I decided to include him in my report. A left-handed right winger of the medium size from the third line, also used on the penalty kill. A good skater, which was reflected in his speed and strong overall movement. Excellent work on the PK with an active stick, a blocked shot late in the first period, and solid physical play. He has soft hands and moves the puck quickly. We could see dangerous passes directed into the slot, as well as good work in the net-front area, which he confirmed later in the game with his strong net drive in the second period. Jasper also showed good board play. As an area for improvement, I would mention consistency in his performance, as noted earlier.
Jeremy Mand (D, L, 5’11”, 166, Jokerit U20, 03/20/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Jeremy is a left-handed defenseman of medium, rather smaller size, who played on the team’s second power-play unit and penalty kill. He is physically strong, which he demonstrated through his physical play, and he’s also capable of delivering an open-ice hit, as he showed in the third period. He is the kind of player who is tough to play against – the one who protects his goalie when needed. An agile puck mover with a hard pass, who can make quick decisions under pressure and doesn’t hesitate to attack the slot when there is an opportunity to support the offense. He also showed good puck skills and soft hands. As an area for improvement, I would mention his shooting power, even though it was Jeremy who scored the final goal of the game – an empty-netter from his own zone – to secure the win for his team.
Totti Kangasniemi (RW, R, 5’9″, 172, Jokerit U20, 02/28/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Totti is a right-handed, right winger of smaller size, playing on the first line and also on the power play. His first period wasn’t the strongest, but his performance kept improving as the game went on. A very fast skater with efficient movement across the full width and length of the ice, which he showed in the second period through active forechecking and backchecking. He uses his active stick effectively. Despite his smaller size, he plays a physical style of hockey and keeps his head on a swivel. In the final minute, he made a key shot block, kept playing, and helped his team regain puck possession – a very important moment for his team.
Petr Vechet (RW, R, 5’10”, 146, Lukko U20, 05/23/2007)
Game Rating
A
1 Viewing
Comments: Petr is a very agile, right-handed right winger from the first line, who also played on the right side of the third line and was part of the team’s first power-play unit. He is a smaller-sized player but a very good and fast skater with strong acceleration and puck control, both on open ice and in board play. Especially in board situations, it’s worth mentioning how effectively he uses his agility to change direction and how he plays facing the game and the opponent. He moves the puck quickly, has a soft first touch, and a quick, accurate shot. Shows good hockey sense. Although smaller in size, he isn’t afraid to battle along the boards, where he tries to use his strengths to his advantage. Actively participates in faceoffs. A little minus was a two-minute penalty taken five minutes before the end of the game, but overall, he was best player of Lukko in this match and delivered a very solid overall performance.
Mikko Leppa (D, L, 6’1″, 196, Lukko U20, 05/23/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Mikko is a left-handed defenseman of average size who played on the team’s second power-play unit. Although not so good skater, he was one of Lukko’s most creative players. He showed calmness on the stick when playing in the defensive zone, as well as very good movement along the O-Zone blue line, which helped his team maintain puck possession. We could also see moments of strong zone entries from him that similarly led to sustained puck possession for his team. He delivered hard, tape-to-tape passes – especially on the O-Zone blue line – and used the width of the ice effectively. Also showed good and strong breakout passing. He handled the puck well under pressure and in tight spaces, using his quick feet to move away from the boards and into the middle of the ice. Showed good use of an active stick on the D-Zone blue line and overall active stick play against opponents.
Scout: David Herman