In February 1996, the global hockey community was shocked when Jaroslav Otevrel, a Czech forward for Porin Ässät, suffered a severe injury during a match against JyP HT. On the 30th anniversary of this tragic incident, the Ässät team paid tribute to Otevrel with a heartfelt message on social media, expressing that their thoughts are with him. Otevrel's injury occurred when he fell and struck his head against the knee of opponent Vitali Karamnov, leading to severe spinal damage that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

At the time of his injury, Otevrel was 27 years old and had an impressive record, having played not only in Finland's SM-liiga but also in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks for 16 games. Over his stint with Ässät, he played approximately two seasons, scoring a total of 23 goals and making 44 assists in 83 games. His impact on the team and the sport in Finland remains remembered, illustrating the deep bond within the hockey community as they honor players both on and off the ice.

Otevrel has been commemorated multiple times in Pori over the years, signifying his enduring legacy. Notably, in 2018, he was invited as an honorary guest during Ässät's home game against TPS, showcasing the pride the community takes in honoring its past players. Additionally, his jersey number 89 has not been used by the team since his injury, symbolizing a profound respect for his memory within the organization and its fans.