Born: 2005-01-04
Team: Kärpät U18/U16
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 154
REPORT: KÄRPÄT @ ILVES U16, NOVEMBER 15, 2020
Ylitalo played on Kärpät’s first line alongside Eetu Kärkkäinen and Arttu Alasiurua, who is a very talented center. This trio played pretty well in a 5-2 loss, although they are certainly capable of bringing even more offense. Ylitalo is a big and strong winger with the physical attributes to be a force at this level. He was effective on the wall, he could dig pucks out of corners and that allowed his team to maintain possession. He could also take a hit to make a play. He was reliable in all three zones and worked in his own end. He made short, effective passes and had good puck touches. In the third period, he scored from close range on the power play to cut Ilves’ lead to two goals. Even though Ylitalo lacks explosive acceleration and separation speed, he plays a solid, direct north-south game. He’s versatile and has offensive upside.