Devastating update on player who was paralyzed in disturbing collision

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
December 2, 2023 (11:56)

SHARE THIS STORY

In the Swedish Women's Hockey League, Olympic athlete Sanni Hakala suffered a tragic injury.

After leading the rush to the net against SHL's Djurgaden, Hakala lost his balance, crashing into the goal post of the opposing team. Due to this, she was unable to move on the ice for some time and would be attended to by the team's medical staff.

Eventually, Hakala, the Captain of the HV71 hockey club, was loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital after the incident.

Hakala was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the injury, according to the hospital where he was treated.

"We pressed hard on her leg several times with really hard strength and she did not react," said a paramedic as per Jonkopings-Posten.

Very sad news on Finnish national team player Sanni Hakala who, while playing for HV71 in Sweden collided head-first with the net. The 26-year, who has represented 🇫🇮 in two Olympics and four Worlds, is paralyzed from the chest down, with reduced function in the arms and hands.>

Fans would be updated on social media by Hakala.

The news doesn't get any better, since Hakala stated she was actually paralyzed from the chest down.

Her family and she will have to adjust to a new life as a result of her retirement from hockey.

"Not only that I now have to stop playing hockey, something that has been a large part of my life for many years, but that I may be forced to live the rest of my life in a wheelchair."

"Now I need to put all my energy into rehabilitation so that I can recover as well as possible. Therefore, neither I nor HV71 will make any further comments regarding my injury or my status and I ask you all to show consideration and respect for me and my family.»

- Sanni Hakala

It is tragic news for the 26-year-old captain.

Losing the ability to play the sport you love for a living is a devastating emotional burden.

It's our hope that she receives the support she needs to continue to live the best life possible.

As Seen On: hockeyfeed.com