Janne Puhakka, the first openly gay male ice hockey player in Finland’s professional leagues, has died at age 29 in what police are investigating as a suspected murder.
The ice hockey community is in shock following the death of Janne Puhakka, who was found fatally shot at his home in Henttaa, Espoo, on the evening of Sunday, October 13. His partner, 66-year-old Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo, was reportedly arrested at the scene without incident.
Janne Puhakka skates at the Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau in Boisbriand, Quebec, on March 2, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Authorities believe Nordmo is the primary suspect, although police have yet to officially confirm the identities. According to Ilta-Sanomat, the suspected homicide was reported after a bystander contacted emergency services.
Crime Commissioner Matti Högman, head of the investigation, described the crime as “particularly brutal and cruel” and indicated it may have been premeditated. They also believe the suspect acted with “sound judgment.” Investigators are also looking into whether the firearm used was legally owned.
Puhakka began his professional hockey career in 2015, playing for Espoo Blues, Espoo United, and Rapaces de Gap in France. He also represented Finland internationally, earning a bronze medal at the 2013 Under-18 World Championship. He retired from hockey at the end of the 2017–2018 season.
Tributes to Puhakka have poured in on social media. Rapaces de Gap, where Puhakka played his final season, shared their sadness on Instagram, “Janne marked the staff and her teammates with her kindness and team spirit. We send our sincere condolences to his family, his relatives and all his former teammates.”
Puhakka’s former teammate Ilmari Pitkänen, who played with him during the Espoo Blues’ 2015-2016 season, reacted with sadness. He described the late athlete as “a happy, smiling and maybe a little withdrawn person.”
Eetu Koivistoinen, a close friend of Puhakka from their youth hockey days, was heartbroken by the news of his death. “It was a shock to pick up the phone and see the messages,” he said of his former teammate.
Koivistoinen played alongside Puhakka on Espoo Blues A-youth from 2012 to 2013 and now plays in the Swedish Hockey League. He shared that despite going in different directions over the years, they remained in touch and followed each other on social media.
He recalled that they would sometimes meet in the café at the ice rink to catch up. They last saw each other during the SC league playoffs last spring. Koivistoinen offered his condolences to Puhakka’s family, “A lot of strength and endurance to them. Really sad.”
Before his death, Puhakka posted what appeared to be his final video on Instagram on October 6, showcasing his fitness routine with the overlay text, “Stay crazy, stay active.” His caption read, “Recipe for this autumn. What’s yours?🍂 #autumn #autumnvibes #workout #activelifestyle #fall #crossfit.”
He made headlines as the first Finnish male player in the country’s professional hockey leagues to come out as gay. In his 2022 memoir, “Ulos Kopista (Out of the Closet),” he shared the challenges of hiding his sexuality while competing in a traditionally masculine sport.
He had shared that, despite his initial fears, his family and teammates were supportive. His partner, Nordmo, with whom he had been in a relationship for ten years, previously commented on their age-gap relationship, calling Puhakka “an old soul in a young body.”
Nordmo remains in custody as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the hockey community and LGBTQ+ advocates are mourning the loss of Puhakka, a trailblazing athlete who broke barriers in the sport. He will be remembered for both his talent on the ice and his advocacy for inclusivity.
