29-Year-Old Hockey Player Tragically Found as Victim in Disturbing and Heartbreaking Crime

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Chris Gerics
October 14, 2024 (11:45)

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Janne Puhakka, who last played pro hockey in 2018 in France, was the victim of a tragic crime in his native Finland, passing away at the age of 29.

The hockey world has been rocked recently with many players past and present tragically passing away, as it seems every day you read a headline about another tragedy in the hockey world. Unfortunately, news of another heartbreaking incident has struck.

Janne Puhakka, the first openly gay hockey player in Finland's highest level of pro hockey, the SM-Liiga, was the victim of a brutal and senseless crime leading to him losing his life at only the age of 29.

It was reported by Ilta-Sanomat, a Finnish news agency that Puhakka was found unresponsive after authorities were called due to a citizen's request. Rolf Nordmo who was Puhakka's partner, is the presumed only suspect in the case and surrendered to authorities without incident. According to Lead Investigator Matti Högman, they have a general idea of how Puhakka's life came to an end, and they believe due to the severity of the crime, justice will be met appropriately:

"We suspect sound judgment and a particularly brutal and cruel way of doing things," said Hogman as per Ilta-Sanomat.

Puhakka wasn't a well-known name in North America and plied his trade in Europe, playing for his hometown Espoo Blues in 2016 before heading to the Mestis League (Finland's second-highest pro league) and finally finishing his career in France playing for Gap HC. Puhakka did get a taste of North American hockey as he spent two years with Chicoutimi of the QMJHL and scored 69 points in 131 games with the club.

Blade of Steel would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Janne Puhakka.