Finnish ice hockey star Jenni Hiirikoski was hospitalized after cutting her throat on a skate

Three-time Olympic champion and Finnish women’s ice hockey star Jenni Hiirikoski was hospitalized after a skate cut her throat in a terrifying incident in the Swedish Women’s Ice Hockey League on Sunday.

Luela’s captain cut his neck late in the third period of the second game of the SDHL final against Brynas. The 35-year-old was rushed to hospital, although it reportedly took 15 minutes because the Swedish Women’s League does not require an ambulance on siteunlike in men’s SHL.

The game would eventually be delayed 30 minutes as the players left the ice while patrons waited for news at Hiirikoski. Luela head coach Jens Själin told reporters after the game that communication was quick when the players returned to their locker rooms during the delay and learned that the situation was stable.

“It was overwhelming,” Själin said in Swedish. “But it was great that we got the news that we got.”

“The only thing I know is that he was in control and then (the team) wanted to play for him.” he added.

Later in the evening, Hiirikoski shared via Instagram that he was in a good mood and published a picture of himself tied up in his hospital bed.

“Today I experienced a very scary situation on the ice. But after the operation at the hospital, I am fine and I have already reached home, he said. “I want to thank everyone who helped me both on the ice and in the hospital. I am very grateful for everything you did for me.”

After a long delay, play resumed, and Luela added an empty netter to seal the 5-3 victory. The win gives Luela a 2-0 series lead and puts them one game away from the SDHL Championship, which would be the team’s Fifth straight victory.

In 31 regular season games, Hiirikoski led all defenders with 37 points. The captain of the Finnish national team is among the most dynamic talents in the women’s game, including two Olympic best defender awards in 2014 and 2018, three Olympic bronze medals and seven world championship best defender awards, the most ever.