Sanne Hakala, a women’s hockey player from Swedish club HV71, has been paralyzed after suffering a freak accident during Friday’s match against Djurgården, the 26-year-old announced via Instagram.
Hakala suffered a neck injury after colliding with the goal post. She was heading towards the net quickly from the outside and tried to pass her defender before losing her balance and sliding into the post. The match was eventually canceled and Hakala was taken to hospital for emergency surgery.
Hakala wrote on his Instagram account: “It is still difficult to understand what happened, that the collision with the goal post was as serious as it was, and that the consequences have become so great.” “Not only am I forced to stop playing hockey, which has been a big part of my life for many years, but I may have to be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.”
Hakala also revealed that the function of her arms and hands was limited after the accident.
Hakala, a veteran of the Finnish national team, won two Olympic bronze medals in 2018 and 2022. Hakala has served as captain of HV71 starting last season and had an excellent start to her final campaign with 13 points in 16 games.
Despite the horrific injury, Hakala expressed optimism about what the future holds for her.
She added in her post: “This situation is clearly bad but I am not afraid to face it. I don’t know what I will do next but I know it will be so.” [expletive] amazing!”
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