Janne Puhakka, Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player, found dead in suspected murder

Janne Puhakka, Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player, has been found dead in a suspected murder.

Janne, 29, died in the home he shared with his Norwegian veterinarian partner, Rolf Nordmo, 65, in Henttaa, a city in Finland, on Sunday, October 13.

Janne, who played for local clubs before ending his career at the end of the 2017–2018 season, met Rolf online in 2014.

Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat has reported that the case is being treated as a murder, with a 65-year-old suspect detained on the scene on suspicion of shooting Janne to death.

Detective Inspector Matti Högman, told news agency STT there was ‘reason to believe the suspect’s actions were deliberate and cruel’ and the ‘suspect and victim knew each other’.

Janne – the first Finnish ice hockey player who openly discussed his homosexuality – initially hid his sexuality from friends for fear of being stigmatised.

Janne and Rolf discussed their relationship in 2022, with the sports professional saying he kept his relationship private because he was ‘scared of the way I would be perceived in the ultra-masculine sporting world’.

Janne, who hoped his coming out would help other players in the future, went on to study international business and worked in sportswear sales.

‘When my sports career came to an end, I had to think what I would like to do next. Sports, fashion and clothing have always interested me,’ he said at the time.

He added: ‘So it was quite natural to combine these two elements. Sportswear business is a perfect place for me to use my past experience and develop my future career goals.

‘Physical and mental well-being of my family is the corner stone in my life. I have always valued healthy lifestyle and that’s what I am working for also today.’