Hockey Player Comes Out as Gay Ahead of Pride-Themed Match

Janne Puhakka, an elite-level former Finnish ice-hockey player, came out as gay just days before a Pride-themed showdown between elite teams Ilves and TPS.

The ice-hockey showdown took place this past Saturday. Players donned rainbow colors in the Pride-themed match to promote LGBTQ+ acceptance in the sport. 

According to Outsports, Puhakka is the first ice-hockey player in the country to come out as gay. It seems that he was not to excited to have to come out, but "believes that LGBT+ issues are still taboo in hockey" and that his actions can help future players.

Puhakka regrets not coming out while still playing in the hockey league. "I wasn’t good enough to have complete security in my job," he explained. "That brought uncertainty. I’m sure other players fear the issue because of their jobs as well."

The 24-year-old says he told his captain that he was gay, but kept his boyfriend a secret from his teammates, avoided questions about his love life, and feared someone seeing them together out in the city. He also said that he would frequently laugh off homophobic jokes in locker rooms.

"The hockey world is somehow lagging behind. We wouldn’t have to go through all this if everyone could be themselves in the locker room."

Puhakka called back to comments by former professional ice hockey goalkeeper and a Finnish member of parliament, who in 2014 said, "It’d be a good idea for a gay player to hide his homo in the booth so as not to offend team chemistry and turn [sentiments] against the team." After criticisms, he later apologized for the comment. 

"When someone shares their own life deeper than just surface level, it strengthens the team," reflected Puhakka. "I’m glad if even one junior or professional player finds something positive in this interview."

Puhakka concluded, "It would be ideal if I didn’t have to talk about this, but as long as people are silent on the subject, we must speak up."

Welcome to the family Janne!