| Born: | Mar 4, 1975 | Draft: | 1993 Ducks, 134th Overall |
| Hometown: | Lappeenranta, Finland | Position: | Centre |
| Known For: | 3x SM-liiga Champion | Shoots: | Left |
| National Team: | Finland | Current Status: | Retired |
Antti Aalto (born March 4, 1975) is a former Finnish ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks during the 2000-2001 season. Drafted 134th overall by the Ducks in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Aalto spent four more seasons playing in Finland’s top-tier SM-Liiga for TPS. He made his NHL debut in 1997, appearing in three games and recording no points and a minus-3 rating. In 29 games with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Anaheim’s minor-league affiliate, he registered 13 points and 30 penalty minutes.
The following season, Aalto earned himself a regular spot in the NHL, playing in 73 games with the Ducks. While his offensive production never translated from Finland to the NHL, he was a serviceable player in the team’s bottom-six rotation. Primarily used in a defensive role, Aalto increased his numbers from eight points in 73 games to 18 points in 63 games the following year. His growth helped the Ducks reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they were swept in the first round.
Unable to maintain his spot on Anaheim’s roster in the 2001-02 season, Aalto split the year with the NHL and AHL before making his return to Finland. He served as an alternate captain for Jokerit in two seasons while continuing to represent Finland on the international level. After winning an SM-Liiga Championship, Aalto signed with TPS for one more run, playing three seasons with the team he suited up for before joining the NHL. He retired at the conclusion of the 2005-06 season but returned to the club three years later in a managerial role.
Antti Aalto Statistics
Staff History
- TPS, SM-liiga (Team Manager) 2008-2011
- TPS, SM-liiga (Assistant Coach) 2010-2011
Achievements
- U17 WHC Air Canada Division All-Star Team (1992)
- 3x SM-liiga Champion (1993, 1995, 2002)
- 4x SM-liiga Silver Medal (1994, 1996, 1997, 2004)
- European Hockey League (EHL) Champion (1997)
- European Hockey League (EHL) Final Four All-Star Team (1997)
- World Championship Bronze Medal (2000)
- 2x SM-liiga Playoffs Most Assists (2002, 2004)