In a chilling moment during the SM-liiga match between HPK and Pelicans, Akseli Ketonen from the home team HPK was injured and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. The incident happened when Pelicans' defender Onni Käyhkö delivered a tackle from behind, causing Ketonen to fall unmoving onto the ice. Medical staff attended to him immediately, and he was subsequently lifted onto a stretcher and slid off the rink amidst a pool of blood left at the scene.

Eyewitness reports indicated that Ketonen was conscious with his eyes open while being treated, which offered some reassurance to the audience and his teammates. However, the atmosphere in the arena shifted dramatically as the injury unfolded. The live broadcast captured the shock among the spectators, many of whom covered their mouths in disbelief at the severity of the situation.

The reaction extended beyond concern for Ketonen's welfare, as the home crowd voiced their disapproval of the tackle. After Käyhkö received a match penalty for his actions and left the rink, the audience responded with boos and jeering, revealing their anger over the reckless play. Such incidents raise significant discussions about player safety and the need for stricter measures in ensuring the well-being of athletes during games.