Boyfriend Confesses to Killing Finland’s First Openly Gay Hockey Player

Earlier on Tuesday it was reported by Ilta-Sanomat that Janne Puhakka, Finland's first openly gay ice hockey player, was found dead by a gunshot in his native country.

In a horrid turn of events, his boyfriend Rolf Nordmo, confirmed to killing him on Sunday evening, according to YLE . Police were treating the dead as a potential murder, and Nordmo has now confessed to having done it.

Nordmo, a veterinarian from Norway, remains in custody following the confession.

The incident occurred in the couple’s shared home in Henttaa, Espoo, after Puhakka returned for what police described as “practical matters” following their breakup weeks earlier, according to the Daily Mail.

Nordmo, 66, confessed to using a hunting shotgun to kill Puhakka, who was 37 years his junior.

Finnish authorities have confirmed that the case is being treated as murder, with Detective Inspector Matti Hogman stating that Nordmo’s actions involved "more violence than necessary."

Puhakka, 29, played for Espoo Blues and Espoo United before retiring from hockey in 2018. He gained significant attention as the first Finnish ice hockey player to come out as gay, hoping that his story would inspire other athletes in the future.

Finland’s top professional league, SM-liiga, released a statement Monday on Puhakka.

“The Finnish hockey community received sad news today when the news of Janne Puhaka’s passing became public,” the statement said. “Puhakka was an important role model, and his courage and openness left an indelible mark on Finnish hockey.”

The couple’s relationship began in 2014 after meeting online. Despite their 37-year age gap, they fell in love, with Nordmo flying from Norway to Finland multiple times to see Puhakka.

Sanna Marin, Finland’s former Prime Minister, was among those paying tribute to Puhakka, posting a heartfelt message on an Instagram story on Monday.

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