Finnish Olympic hockey player Sanni Hakala paralyzed after collision with net

In a post shared on Instagram, two-time Finnish Olympian Sanni Hakala announced that she is paralyzed from the chest down and only has reduced function in her arms and hands.

While in a game against Djurgardens on Friday, Hakala, serving as HV71’s captain in the SDHL, collided with the goalpost and was taken off the ice by stretcher. She required emergency surgery, and the game was immediately cancelled.

The 26-year-old winger had a long history of playing with HV71, winning a silver medal back in 2017. She has 98 goals and 194 points in 226 contests in eight seasons, including two years as captain. Hakala has six goals and 13 points in 16 games this year.

Hakala also has a long history with Finland’s national team. She represented the nation at the past two Olympics, scoring twice in 13 games en route to consecutive bronze medals. She has also suited up in 21 World Championship contests, winning silver in 2019 and bronze twice.

Hakala previously played in the top Finnish women’s league, spending four years with JYP. She moved to Karpat for 2016-17 before joining HV71 for the final half of the season, where she stuck for the remainder of her pro career.

A speedy skater, Hakala’s work ethic on the ice helped her stand out with Finland. While the offense didn’t follow, she found value as a bottom-six player who could force turnovers and kill penalties.