Horrific injury on the ice: Finnish hockey player suffers testicle rupture after puck hit
Finnish hockey player Mikko Haaparanta, who plays in Finland's Second Division, suffered a horrific injury during a hockey match. A puck struck him in the groin, resulting in a ruptured testicle, Bild reports.
The incident occurred during a December 2024 game between Haaparanta's team, TuTo Hockey, and IPK. It appears that his protective gear failed to withstand the force of the puck, which was shot from close range.
Haaparanta later admitted the pain was excruciating, to the point that he struggled to breathe and had to be given painkillers. Immediately after the injury, his testicle swelled to twice its normal size. Upon returning home, the swelling worsened, and Haaparanta had to be rushed to the hospital.
An ultrasound revealed a rupture, necessitating surgery, during which part of the testicle had to be removed. Doctors will determine within a month whether the testicle can recover or if it will need to be entirely removed.
Following the incident, the 27-year-old player has decided to suspend his career at least until the end of the season. Concerned for his health, Haaparanta is contemplating retiring from hockey altogether and seeking a new line of work.
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
