Janne Puhakka's Death: Confession and Tributes

Janne Puhakka, Finland's first openly gay professional ice hockey player, was allegedly murdered by his partner, Rolf Nordmo, in their shared home in Espoo. Local police reported that Puhakka, 29, died from a gunshot wound inflicted by a hunting shotgun, and Nordmo, 66, has confessed to the crime. The relationship between Puhakka and Nordmo had ended weeks before the incident, yet Puhakka returned to the home for practical matters, during which the fatal shooting occurred. Investigators describe the act as deliberate and excessively violent, with Nordmo currently in police custody. Puhakka's death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from the hockey community and beyond, including former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Puhakka publicly came out as gay after his retirement, having previously played in Finland, Canada, and France, and was noted for his contributions to the sport and LGBTQ+ representation.