Two-time Olympic medalist paralyzed from waist down.

Another tragic incident has struck the hockey world, this time likely forever changing the life of a young 26 year old woman.

According to multiple reports coming out of Finland, Finnish hockey player and two time Olympic medalist Sanni Hakala has been paralyzed from the waist down. Hakala was injured during the opening minutes of a game between HV71, the team she captains, and Djurgarden of the Swedish Women's Hockey League (SDHL).

Hakala was reportedly moving at high speed when she attempted to establish position in front of the net, but unfortunately she would lose her balance and crash to the ice in the process. The fall would send Hakala head first into the goal post and she would remain on the ice, unmoving, for several long moments.

Hakala would be treated by medical staff on hand and would eventually be loaded onto a stretcher and carried away to an ambulance that would in turn bring her to hospital. Unfortunately the latest update on Hakala's condition appears to indicate that she has been paralyzed as a result of the incident.

"We pressed hard on her leg several times with really hard strength and she did not react," said a paramedic as per Jonkopings-Posten.

This could effectively mean the end of Hakala's hockey career both at home and on the international stage, and I can only hope that she will somehow make a full recovery from her injuries.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.