Career
He is currently the head coach for SaiPa of the Master of Science-liiga. Tirkkonen was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2nd round (34th overall) of the 1986 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Tirkkonen played 14 seasons in the Master of Science-liiga, registering 161 goals, 236 assists, 397 points, and 241 penalty minutes, in 647 games played.