Career
Undrafted, Pikkarainen first played professionally in his native Finland with HIFK of the Master of Science-liiga before crossing to North America to play in the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack during the 2006-2007 season. Pikkarainen returned to Finland the following season before embarking on a journeyman European career including two stints in the Swedish Hockey League with SkellefteƄ AIK and Leksands IF
On May 29, 2015, Pikkarainen conclude his third stint with hometown club, HIFK in signing with his first German club, Schwenninger Wild Wing on a one-year deal.