Bio
Toni grew up in Rauma, Finland, where he began skating and playing hockey at just two years old. A standout from an early age, he captained his Bantam Major team to a Finnish National Championship with Lukko Rauma. His talent was recognized nationally when he was named Best Defenseman and selected to the All-Star team at the U16 Team Finland combine.
Toni represented Team Finland at the U16, U17, U18, and U20 levels, and competed in the 1990 World Junior Championships, where Finland finished fourth. Remarkably, he became the oldest rookie ever to play for the Finnish Men’s National Team at age 32.
He began his professional career during his senior year of high school, debuting with Lukko in the Finnish Elite League. In 1990, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. Over an 18-year professional career, Toni served as captain or assistant captain for 10 seasons. He capped off his playing career by winning the German Championship with the Cologne Sharks in 2002.
Professional Career
-9 years in Finnish Elite League
-6 years in DEL Germany
-3 years in North America AHL
Coaching Experience
06-07 Lukko, Rauma
07-08 MM Peewee Major
08-09 MM Bantam Minor, Reading Royals Squirt AA
09-10 MM Squirt Major, MM Bantam Major
10-11 MM Peewee Minor, MM U16 National
11-12 MM Peewee Major, MM U16 National
12-13 MM Bantam Minor, MM U18
13-14 MM Squirt Major, MM Bantam Major
14-15 MM PeeWee Minor, MM 16 American
15-16 MM PeeWee Major, MM 16 National
Head instructor of multiple hockey skill development camps and clinics.
Level 4 coach.
Coaching Philosophy
Combining the European and north American development systems. Maximizing skill development in high tempo competitive atmosphere. Age appropriate training and systems. Emphasis on Team work, tight active defensive systems, creative offensive systems, attitude, work ethic, commitment, respect!