Other College: A transfer from Hartwick College, Niko played in seven games for the Hawks in 2010, starting in three of them. He recorded two shots on goal.

Prior to College: Tirkkonen has represented Finland’s U18 national team in Slovakia and Portugal and was a national youth runner-up with FC Reipas. He also competed with City Stars, HYPS, and FC Lahti Academy. He attended Salpausselan Lukio.