A severe check by TPS's Oliver Lauridsen on Ässien's Petteri Riihinen in the SM-liiga has raised concerns about the latter's health following the incident during a game.
In a recent SM-liiga game, the situation escalated when TPS's alternate captain, Oliver Lauridsen, launched a brutal hit on Ässien's defenseman, Petteri Riihinen. This incident occurred while Riihinen was engaged in a battle for the puck with Eetu Päkkilä, when Lauridsen, who stands nearly two meters tall and weighs over 90 kilograms, charged in as the third player, delivering a dangerous blow to Riihinen, who was in a vulnerable position.
Riihinen immediately collapsed onto the ice and was assisted off the rink by two teammates, not returning for the remainder of the match. Following the incident, the league announced that the matter would proceed to the disciplinary delegation for review, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the potential repercussions for Lauridsen.
Sami Hautamäki, the CEO of Ässät, provided a brief update on Riihinen’s condition, noting that he is in good spirits under the circumstances and has been in contact with the player. However, further details regarding the necessity for medical examinations or hospital visits remain unclear, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders about the player's health and the league's protocols regarding player safety.
