Finland defender Jenni Hiirikoski’s fifth Olympics has come to a premature end due to injury, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association said Saturday, as her side prepares for a quarterfinal clash with Switzerland in the women’s ice hockey tournament.
Hiirikoski left the ice during the opening period of Thursday’s final Group A game against Canada, which Finland lost 5-0, with an upper-body injury that requires surgery.
“It’s a shame that the Games are left unfinished,” Hiirikoski said in the statement. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to be a part of this team. Good luck for tonight’s game.”
Hiirikoski is a three-time bronze medalist, and the 38-year-old has won the Olympic Best Defenseman award twice.
Finland takes on Switzerland later Saturday for a place in the semifinals.