University of Massachusets Athletics
Alalauri Becomes Latest Addition For Massachusetts Hockey
June 16, 2026 | Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts hockey has added 6-2, 220 pound right shot defenseman Samu Alalauri to its incoming class for 2026-27. The Lahti, Finland native will join defensemen Barrett Dexheimer and Mathieu Taillefer and forwards Egor Barabanov, Gavin Cornforth, Max Curran, Maxim Massé and Melvin Novotny as the eighth newcomer to the UMass squad this fall. Alalauri, ranked No. 17 in the final NHL Central Scouting list for European skaters, is expected to hear his name called in the draft later this month.
"Samu is a promising Finnish defenseman who has steadily risen as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "A right-shot blueliner, standing nearly 6-3, he combines size and a mature two-way game. Samu is known for his smooth skating, ability to close gaps and efficient puck movement. UMass fans will enjoy watching Samu grow throughout his time here."
Alalauri has played for the Pelicans in his native Finland at the U16, U18 and U20 levels in SM-sarja. With the U20 squad he has registered 32 points on eight goals and 24 assists over 79 games in the past two seasons, earning the Toni Lyndman Award as Defenseman of the Year in both 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Alalauri has represented Finland in international play at the U16, U17 and U18 levels, wearing an "A" for the squad at the Under 18 World Junior Championship in 2025-26. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he logged four points (1g, 3a) over five games.
"Samu is a promising Finnish defenseman who has steadily risen as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "A right-shot blueliner, standing nearly 6-3, he combines size and a mature two-way game. Samu is known for his smooth skating, ability to close gaps and efficient puck movement. UMass fans will enjoy watching Samu grow throughout his time here."
Alalauri has played for the Pelicans in his native Finland at the U16, U18 and U20 levels in SM-sarja. With the U20 squad he has registered 32 points on eight goals and 24 assists over 79 games in the past two seasons, earning the Toni Lyndman Award as Defenseman of the Year in both 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Alalauri has represented Finland in international play at the U16, U17 and U18 levels, wearing an "A" for the squad at the Under 18 World Junior Championship in 2025-26. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he logged four points (1g, 3a) over five games.
Players Mentioned
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