Chairman Harri Nummela says that the Ice Hockey Federation is currently figuring out how it can possibly financially support the rehabilitation of seriously injured players.
Sanni Hakala, 26, paralysis has shocked the sports world. A week ago, Hakala crashed into a post in a Swedish hockey league match. The Finnish captain of HV71 said on Instagram on Thursday that he is paralyzed from the chest down.
The two-time Olympic medalist and three-time World Cup medalist has received a lot of support across sport boundaries.
The Finnish Ice Hockey Federation made a profit of 9.3 million euros at the men’s World Cup competitions held in Tampere last spring, even though the Lions missed the quarterfinals. The following year, Finland also hosted the World Championships and won the world championship. The success brought a profit of 13.9 million euros to the association’s account.
Urheilu asked the chairman of the Ice Hockey League From Harri Nummelawhether there will be financial support for the seriously injured Hakala.
– As for concrete support, we are currently figuring out how the Ice Hockey Federation or the Ice Hockey Foundation could financially support the rehabilitation of seriously injured players now and in the future.
The ice hockey boss states that the association evaluates the matter as a whole.
– Sanni’s case is, of course, topical, but this matter needs a broader operating model. We are seriously evaluating this matter. The option was already on the table a month ago, when we found out the result of the World Cup. There has been a discussion about what the income from profits in Suomi-kiek will be used for, Nummela explains.
Nummela does not remember a similar case
Nummela says that the national team has been in contact with Sanni Hakala’s relatives and through that gave the player and his relatives strength to deal with a truly unfortunate situation.
– We respect Sanni’s wish to be in peace and give him time to deal with the situation. The women’s national team will meet at the end of the year in week 50, when in that context – as far as the other players and Sanni’s teammates and friends need support in this matter – the national team’s management team will handle the situation in an appropriate way.
– On behalf of the Women’s League, we have also been in contact with the Swedish Women’s League. We have said that if, on behalf of Finnish ice hockey, we can somehow help them in dealing with this issue, then we are available, Nummela continues.
The president of the ice hockey association does not directly remember a similar case. He reminds that the domestic hockey family is on the verge of considering a new operating model.
– Serious injuries have occurred in ice hockey over the years in club team activities, in the League and otherwise. I do not recognize a systematic operating model in which we would have given support according to the rules. I can’t say whether there have been individual cases or perhaps fundraising events in which the Ice Hockey Federation would have participated.