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NHL

Finland Olympic hockey star Sanni Hakala paralyzed after collision

By
Alec Gearty
Published Dec. 1, 2023, 2:19 a.m. ET

Two-time Olympic medalist and Finnish hockey star Sanna Hakala is paralyzed from the chest down and has reduced function in her arms and hands following an in-game freak accident last Friday in Sweden.

Hakala, who serves as HV71’s captain, suffered a neck injury when she crashed head-first into the goalpost during the first period in a Swedish Women’s Hockey League game against Djurgårdens.

Hakala was stretchered off the ice as officials postponed the game.

The 26-year-old forward was first taken to a nearby before she was transported to University Hospital in Linköping, where she underwent surgery, the team announced.

“It is still hard to understand what has happened, that the crash into the goal post was as serious as it was, that the consequences have become so big,” Hakala posted on Instagram. “Not only that I am forced to stop playing hockey, something that has been a big part of my life for many years, but that I may be forced to sit in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. 

Sanni Hakala represented Finland at the Winter Olympics.
Sanni Hakala represented Finland at the Winter Olympics. sanniihakala/Instagram
Sanni Hakala suffered the devastating injury during the first period last week.
Sanni Hakala suffered the devastating injury during the first period last week. SVT

“The injury I sustained last Friday after colliding with the goal post has left me paralyzed from the chest down, with reduced function in my arms and hands. That’s the reality I’m trying to land in.”

She worked through the ranks of Finland hockey, making her international debut as part of the country’s Under-18 team in 2013.

Hakala won two Bronze medals when she represented Finland at the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang in 2018 and Beijing in 2022.

Sanni Hakala is a two-time Olympic medalist.
Sanni Hakala is a two-time Olympic medalist. sanniihakala/Instagram

She has also won a silver medal at the world championships in 2019 and bronze medals in 2017 and 2021.

“I understand that I am now facing a long and hard fight with my body and the toughest game of my life,” Hakala said. 

Hakala had signed a contract extension in April to remain with the club for her eighth season.

The club said Hakala faces a “long period of rehabilitation” following her surgery.

Forward Sanni Hakala #23 of Team Finland skates with the puck against Team Switzerland in the second period during the Womenâs Ice Hockey Bronze medal match between Team Finland and Team Switzerland on Day 12 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at Wukesong Sports Centre on February 16, 2022 in Beijing, China.
Forward Sanni Hakala #23 of Team Finland skates with the puck against Team Switzerland at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at Wukesong Sports Centre on February 16, 2022 in Beijing, China. Getty Images

“Now I need to focus all my energy on the rehabilitation so that I can recover as well as possible,” Hakala added. “Therefore, me and HV71 will not leave further comments regarding my injury or situation and I ask you all to show consideration and respect for me and my family. 

This situation obviously sucks, but I’m not scared to take it on. I don’t know what I’m going to do next, but I know it will be f-king awesome.”