LGBTQ Finnish people are mourning the death of Janne Puhakka, a professional ice hockey player who came out several years ago after the end of his playing career. Puhakka, 29, was allegedly killed October 13 by his ex-boyfriend, Rolf Nordmo.
Mourners started leaving memorial candles outside Puhakka's home the following day, reported Iltalehti.
Finland's top professional men's hockey league, SM-liiga, held a moment of silence in honor of Puhakka before five games and two Champions Hockey League games involving Finnish teams on October 16, reported the New York Times.
The same day, Nordmo appeared remotely in a closed-door court session, reported the Times.
"Janne Puhakka was an important role model, and his courage and openness left an indelible mark on Finnish hockey," the SM-liiga remarked in a statement on X.
Suomalainen jääkiekkoyhteisö sai tänään surullisia uutisia, kun tieto Janne Puhakan poismenosta tuli julki.
Janne Puhakka oli tärkeä esikuva, ja hänen rohkeutensa ja avoimuutensa jätti lähtemättömän jäljen suomalaiseen jääkiekkoon.
Puhakka pelasi Liigaa 40 ottelua Espoon... pic.twitter.com/I5fm9zOSlb
— Liiga (@smliiga) October 14, 2024
Sanna Marin, Finland's former prime minister, also paid tribute to Puhakka on social media, reported Outsports.
Yle, the Finnish broadcasting company, first reported that Puhakka was the victim and Nordmo was the suspect, according to QNews.
Reported confession
Nordmo, 66, allegedly confessed to police of shooting Puhakka at his former home in Henttaa, a district of Espoo, according to Finnish media. Nordmo, a Norwegian veterinarian, had a permit for the shotgun registered in Norway, according to the Western Uusimaa Police statement.
Around 8 p.m. on October 13, police were called to the Henttaa home by "a friend of the couple," according to the October 14 statement.
"The friend came to check the situation after becoming concerned because he had not been able to contact the victim," according to the statement. Several units from the Western Uusimaa and Helsinki police departments were dispatched to the scene.
According to the police statement, "the suspect came out of the apartment by himself." Authorities immediately arrested Nordmo at the scene.
Police are conducting a murder investigation.
Nordmo allegedly told police that he couldn't accept his 10-year relationship with Puhakka was over, according to the statement.
Puhakka had moved out of the semi-detached house in Henttaa the couple shared "a few weeks ago," Detective Inspector Matti Högman, the head of the investigation, told reporters, reported Pink News.
Puhakka had returned to "sort out the 'the arrangement of practical matters.'" Högman said.
"Based on the interrogation, the motive for the crime was the end of the relationship between the victim and the suspect," Högman continued. "During the interrogation, things related to their relationship emerged. The suspect has shown strong emotions about the incident. The whole thing has to do with emotions."
Puhakka
The Times reported that Puhakka, a native of Espoo, was a forward in junior hockey for two years with the QMJHL's Chicoutimi Sagueneens and played professionally in Finland and France. He represented Finland in multiple international competitions as a teenager and won bronze at the 2013 world under-18 championship. Puhakka played for the Espoo Blues during the 2015-16 season, appearing in 40 Liiga games. He went on to play for TuTo Turku and Espoo United in second-tier Mestis. He finished his career with Gap HC in France at the end of the 2017-2018 season.
Puhakka made history when he came out in 2019 in an interview with Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat. Attitude reported that he told Helsingin Sanomat he was speaking out because talking about LGBTQ topics was still considered taboo in the world of ice hockey.
"We wouldn't have to go through all this if everyone could be themselves in the locker room," he told the paper. "I'm glad if even one junior or professional player finds something positive in this interview."
Puhakka received an outpouring of public support following the interview.
In 2022, Puhakka published his memoir, "Ulos Kopista," which is loosely translated to "Out of the Locker (Room)," reported the Times.
In an interview with Outsports, Puhakka spoke candidly about knowing he was gay when he was 16 years old, his struggles hiding his sexuality in the "hypermasculine locker room culture," and fears of he and his then-boyfriend being discovered by teammates in the city.
"Over time, the secrecy started to negatively affect his partner," he said.
Puhakka turned his sports fame into TV celebrity as a reality show star on "The Traitors." Outsports reported the season's final episode had been set to air on October 17. The show's producers decided not to broadcast it after Puhakka's killing.
According to Outsports, Puhakka was more open about his relationship with Nordmo. The couple spoke openly about their relationship in media interviews. Puhakka wrote about their relationship in his memoir. The couple marched together in Helsinki Pride and posted photos on social media.
Puhakka participated in public service announcements promoting LGBTQ inclusion in hockey and other sports.
Got international LGBTQ news tips? Call or send them to Heather Cassell at WhatsApp/Signal: 415-517-7239, or [email protected]
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