Jenni Hiirikoski is a lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame. Her resume is the most decorated of any defender in the history of the sport.
Recently, the Finnish blueliner underwent a successful heart surgery following months of mystery illness that sidelined the defender off the ice, and out of the 2025 World Championships.
" It was a successful operation and the best group of nurses and doctors took good care of me. Grateful to get help for my heart condition," Hiirikoski wrote in an update on Instagram. "I know that many people has went through same type of issues but this is my story from last months and I wanted to share it with you. Now it is time for some rest and after that I will start my journey back to the ice."
According to Hiirikoski, she underwent a cardiac catheter ablation to help with heart arrhythmias.
Hiirikoski was twice named Best Defender at the Olympics and seven times at the World Championships.
Captaining Lulea in the SDHL, Hiirikoski won six championships.
Hiirikoski, 38, played 28 games last season with Lulea, and managed three on the Women's Euro Hockey Tour with Finland before her heart condition put an end to her season. She attempted a playoff comeback but was again unable to continue.