Former QMJHL Finnish star tragically passes away from a horrible crime
Janne Puhakka a trailblazer in hockey has tragically passed away at the age of 29 due to a brutal crime.
Puhakka who once played in the QMJHL with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens & represented Finland at the world juniors never made it to the NHL but left a major impact on the sport. He became the first openly gay player to compete in Finland's top hockey league, Liiga, where many former NHL stars have played.
Although the NHL has yet to see an openly gay player, Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop, selected in the 2020 draft, is on his way to changing that.
Puhakka's life was tragically cut short reportedly by his partner 66-year-old veterinarian Rolf Nordmo. According to reports from the Finnish news outlet Ilta Sanomat police are investigating the incident as a possible m****r. Detective Matti Högman, leading the investigation, stated that the crime was believed to be particularly brutal and cruel.
According to IS information, the (crime) took place on Sunday evening at the property where ex-hockey player Janne Puhakka , 29, and his partner, Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo , 66, live. [...] The police will not confirm the identities of the parties involved.
ALTHOUGH it's only been less than a day [...] the police have a good idea of the course of events.
- We have a reasonably good understanding of what has happened, crime commissioner, head of investigation Matti Högman tells Ilta-Sanom.
- But, of course, we only suspect and the investigation is in the early stages, Högman says.
The police suspect that the act was particularly brutal and cruel. In addition, the police suspect that there was sound judgment in the act.
- We suspect sound judgment and a particularly raw and cruel way of doing things, Högman tells Ilta-Sanom.
As the investigation continues, we extend our deepest condolences to Janne Puhakka's family and friends. He will be remembered as a hockey trailblazer who paved the way for more inclusion in the sport. Rest in peace, Janne.
