Openly gay hockey player Janne Puhakka reportedly shot dead by his own partner in Finland: Report

Janne Puhakka, a former openly gay professional hockey player from Finland who also played in France and Canada, was found dead today at 29 years old. Finnish media have reported that Puhakka is suspected to be the victim of a homicide. The prime suspect is his current partner.

Norwegian Rolf Nordmo, 66, is suspected to have taken Puhakka's life in the couple’s home in the Helsinki suburb of Espoo. At the time of writing, local police have not officially charged Nordmo but he is the main suspect at present.

Experts say that the murder took place on Sunday evening. Though it is still early, local reports suggest that the police have a solid understanding of the order of events. They have not revealed these events, though.

They also suspect that the act itself was brutal and cruel. Per reports, a bystander called in the reported murder. When police arrived in massive numbers, Nordmo left the home and gave himself up to law enforcement.

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Janne Puhakka came out as gay in 2019

Janne Puhakka made headlines five years ago when he came out as gay. Even today, the number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes in pro sports is limited. Puhakka had already retired by this time, so he didn't come out during his playing career like many others.

Via the Hockey News, he said his partner, who is now suspected of his murder, made things interesting:

“The games were stressful for me, when Rolf came to see me. He had to be hidden, which of course he didn’t like.”

The Finnish Liiga added in a statement recently:

“Janne Puhakka was an important role model, and his courage and openness left an indelible mark on Finnish hockey."

Puhakka was born and raised in Espoo, which is where he passed away. The former hockey star went to North America and played junior hockey for the QMJHL team Chicoutimi Saguenéens in Canada. He was a member from 2013 to 2015.

Across those seasons, the player scored 76 points in 140 regular-season and postseason games. He returned home to play the next year and spent a little while in France before officially retiring.