During a recent SM-League match between HPK and Pelicans, player Akseli Ketonen suffered a frightening injury after being tackled by Onni Käyhkö. The injury occurred when Ketonen was hit from behind, causing him to strike his head against the plexiglass and fall onto the ice. He appeared unconscious after the incident and was transported off the ice on a stretcher for further evaluation.

In the aftermath of the incident, HPK provided updates on Ketonen's condition via social media. They reported that he was conscious, moving his limbs, and seemed to have avoided the worst possible outcome. He was taken to the hospital for further examinations, amidst concerns for his health. The team expressed their support for Ketonen, emphasizing a hopeful recovery with a message full of encouragement.

Despite the serious injury, Pelicans secured a 4-1 victory in the match. The incident has heightened the stakes as HPK and TPS compete for the final playoff spot in the series, with HPK holding a two-point lead ahead of their upcoming game against Tappara. The implications of such injuries in professional sports are crucial, as they raise questions about player safety and the impact of aggressive play.