Now it’s time to go – Jokerit’s NHL prospect heads to North America
The Seattle Thunderbirds have signed Finnish defenseman Reko Alanko to a WHL player and education contract. The team drafted Alanko in the second round of the CHL’s 2026 draft held earlier this month.
The Helsinki-born Alanko played primarily with Jokerit’s U20 team last season. Additionally, the 196-centimeter defenseman appeared in 14 games with Jokerit’s Mestis team.
Seattle Thunderbirds head coach Matt O’Dette expects Alanko to bring versatility to the team.
– He is an extremely mobile defenseman for his size, capable of playing effectively at both ends of the rink. He also brings physicality to his game and is a very difficult player for opponents, O’Dette praises.
Alanko was drafted in the summer of 2025 by NHL team Utah Mammoth in the sixth round. He also recently participated in the team’s development camp before moving to the WHL.
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