Kristian Tanus — Finnish Playmaker with High Hockey IQ
Kristian Tanus, born on August 17, 2000, in Tampere, Finland, is a left-shooting center making waves in Finnish hockey. Standing at 172 cm and weighing 72 kg, Tanus may not have the size of a traditional hockey player, but his skillset and vision more than compensate for it.
Currently playing for Tappara, Tanus is known for his excellent passing abilities, hockey IQ, and creativity on the ice, making him one of Finland’s most exciting young prospects.
Player Stats:
- Position: Center
- Shoots: Left
- Born: August 17, 2000, Tampere, Finland
- Height: 172 cm
- Weight: 72 kg
- Team: Tappara
Rising Through the Ranks
Tanus first gained attention with his performances in the Finnish Liiga and Mestis leagues. Despite his smaller stature, he consistently displayed top-tier playmaking abilities and an impressive hockey sense, earning him spots on Finland’s national teams.
While on loan with Jukurit, Tanus played crucial minutes, showcasing his ability to keep up with the pace and deliver smart plays. In 2019, he played around 15 minutes in one of his first Liiga games, showing his excellent passing and positioning on the power play, which resulted in his first career Liiga point.
Strengths and Skills on the Ice
What Tanus lacks in size, he makes up for with his elite offensive instincts. He is a natural playmaker, known for delivering accurate passes even in tight spaces. His agility and stickhandling allow him to navigate through defenders, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Tanus’ defensive game is also strong, showing maturity in his positioning and decision-making.
Impressive Performances
During his time in Mestis with LeKi, Tanus racked up 30 points in just 23 games. He continued to impress with Tappara’s U20 team, scoring two goals in a single game, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Though his small stature and average top speed were initially viewed as setbacks, his game sense, effort, and ability to control the puck in high-pressure situations have helped him overcome these obstacles.
Kristian Tanus’ combination of hockey IQ, playmaking ability, and work ethic make him a valuable asset on the ice. With his continuous development, there’s no doubt that Tanus will remain a key player for Tappara and could become a strong contender in international play. His determination to improve his defensive play and skating ability will help him evolve further, making him one of Finland’s rising hockey stars.