Oliver Reinikka was born to Finnish immigrants to Canada. As a player in Canmore, Alberta, the slim blond haired flash was regarded as the top Alberta amateur when he gave word that he would play for the Vancouver Maroons. Frank Patrick had signed him in 1923 but was unable to report. Reinikka was a fast skater who was not afraid of taking a hit or giving one. His hook check was also compared to that of Mickey Mackay for its effectiveness. His right-handed shot was an ingredient the Maroons had been missing for some time. The fact that he was missing digits on his left hands did not seem to affect him for he scored ten goals in his second year with the Maroons.
The Patrick brothers sold Reinikka's rights to the New Rangers on October 25, 1926. Under Lester Patrick, Reinikka made almost no impression on Broadway. In sixteen games he failed to record a point or show the flashes of aggressive play that had attracted the Maroons. Reinikka finished out his first season in the east with Springfield. The Rangers sold his contract to Stratford for 1927-28. His eight goals in 42 games were lightly regarded and Oliver was on the move to Hamilton. For the second time in three seasons he went goalless. It wasn't until Oliver returned to the west that he regained his scoring touch.
For 1929-30 he posted twelve goals and earned renewed interest in the east. The London Tecumsehs purchased his contract in 1930. Their depth at center kept him from posting a similar figure, although he did show flashes of his play late in the season. Oliver Reinikka left London in 1932 and returned to the west. It wasn't until 1934 that he latched on to another team. For three seasons he skated for Rossland in the Kootenay region of British Columbia.
