Mikko Tuomala Bio

[flyersfan345 49]

Mikko Tuomala: Halifax's Newest Fortification

 

Born in 2004, in Tampere, Finland, Mikko Tuomala has spent his recent years preparing for his journey to the VHL. Tuomala is Finland's newest great young prospect, adding to an already stacked history of hard working two way talents. Tuomala entered the VHL pipeline on Sunday October 6th, a tad too early to enter into the draft, but chose to sign in Free Agency with Halifax, to get significant minutes to further develop and play with his close friend Pelayo Bolivar of Spain. 

 

He is a 6’2” 215lb defenseman with a strong physical game and some flashes of offensive vision that make him a two way defenseman with potential to make an impact on the power play and on the rush. His main focus right now is on his continued improvement and adjustment to the VHL, which will take some coaching from his teammates and management at first, but with potential to pay incredibly strong dividends going forward.

 

 

Family, Early Years, and Passion for Hockey

 

Tuomala grew up with a middle class upbringing with hard working parents and siblings. His father works for a major Finnish telecommunications company, and his mother is a nurse. They've taken significant time out of their own careers to get him to his hockey games and practices, while putting the pressure on to make the most of his opportunities, both academic and athletic, making him an excellent student of his sport and in school. They have instilled into him a strong work ethic which he hopes to carry into his VHL and VHLM career.

 

He gained an interest in the sport at an incredibly early age, learning to skate at 4 years old, and playing hockey almost immediately. He has been known to stay up very late to watch his favorite NHL talents, Kimmo Timonen in his younger years, and later on Alex Pietrangelo and Miro Heiskanen, two defensemen whose levels he hopes to one day reach.

 

As a lifelong fan of Tappara, he has had many players to look towards for their work-ethic and well-rounded 200 foot games. Tuomala has always had a scrappy and defensive mindset in all sports, whether it is hockey, soccer, or pesäpallo, making him a natural defenseman from an early age. He always put immense effort into covering elite opposing talent down low and in front of the net, and his size and physicality have given him a great advantage in doing so to date. These traits and work ethic served him well through Tappara’s junior system, and he hopes it helps to make an easy transition to the VHLM.

 

While he has not been featured in any showcases, and it remains to be seen how he will perform in VHL simulations, we can expect to see a big and hard working player with intensity at both ends of the ice.

 

Transition to VHL/VHLM

 

Tuomala did not at first see himself making the transition to VHLM hockey. He did not realize the possibility, until hearing of his friend, Bolivar's, impressive showing in the pipeline as a prospect. With Bolivar's encouragement, he decided to suit up, and market himself as the prospect that he knew he could be. Bolivar's coaching since that moment, has been incredibly impactful on his development. He found ways he could impact all aspects of his game with improved development on his defensive coverage, offensive vision, slapshot, and passing abilities. While he entered the VHL pipeline a bit too late to see how he could perform in junior showcases or to enter the draft, he watched the draft intently. It was his first opportunity to learn more about the VHLM and the clubs within it. Naturally, after the draft occurred, he received an offer to play with his good friend and mentor, Bolivar, in Halifax.

 

He enters his rookie season as a well rounded and physical defenseman, modeling his game after Alex Pietrangelo. Halifax uniquely positions him to get strong playing time and growth opportunity, a key part of his decision to sign with the team.

 

Future Outlook and Career

 

Tuomala has learned through his life and career to date to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead of him. While he does aim to work hard to reach the VHL, his primary focus now is to develop with Halifax in the VHLM and help the team win. He knows he has a strong team in front of him, with endless possibilities for the upcoming season, and has a fiery desire to continue to improve and win hockey games. He is aware that his lack of experience to date may mean he needs an initial learning and adjustment period in his first few games, but expect to make a big impact in Halifax quickly.

 

 

Off The Ice

 

Off ice, Tuomala is a learner, just as in his VHLM/VHL career. He has an obsession with learning about history, spending time outdoors in one of his home country's many lakeside cabins, and becoming a more well-rounded individual altogether. Tuomala’s interest in history came from his family's service during the winter war, an interest further spurned by his compulsory service in the Finnish military.

 

 

Edited October 7 by flyersfan345

[LucyXpher 1,572]

Awesome bio! I love all the background you gave your player, including his junior career and journey through the Liiga.