Hockey|The national team striker’s career ended tragically.
Finland former national team star Sanni Hakala was paralyzed from the chest down a year ago when he crashed into a goal post in the middle of a league match.
Hakala, 27, who represented the Swedish HV71, now tells about his experiences through the club’s publication on video.
“It hasn’t been the easiest year, but I’m going one day at a time and trying to stay positive,” says Hakala.
Sanni Hakala was part of the Naisleijonien’s historic team that won silver at the World Cup in 2019.
“I have taken good steps forward. The rehabilitation is going well, and it was nice to return home from the hospital,” he says.
Hakala, who moves in a wheelchair, has been able to return to the team.
He goes to the gym together with his teammates, doing extra rehab exercises at the same time.
“It means a lot to me. I don’t think they realize how much they help me every day when I come here. It’s incredible how well they’ve accepted me back into the team,” says Hakala.
Finnish the career-ending injury happened in a match against Djurgården in the Swedish women’s league, or SDHL.
Several fundraisers were organized for Hakala after the accident, and the club’s fans noticed her in a wonderful way after returning to the ice in a wheelchair.
“I am forever grateful for the support I received and continue to receive. I don’t think I would be here today without the help I get from everyone,” says Hakala.
The striker, who won five prestigious medals in Naisleijon and the SC gold in Kärpi in Oulu, also mentioned his desire to continue his life in the signs of his beloved sport.
“I really want to work in hockey, hopefully already next year,” says Hakala.
Rehabilitation from a severe injury will take years, and Hakala says that she will have “a couple of surgeries” in the future.
“They come next year, then they should be over. So hopefully after them I can focus more on the future”, he says with a smile.