Reactions to a career-ending sport injury : Pekka Hirvonen, a professional ice hockey player

Abstract

This chapter presents an end of athletic career case of a professional ice hockey player, Pekka Hirvonen. The chapter presents his case, details of the multi-ligament knee injury he suffered, the role of athletic identity, pre-retirement planning, and coping skills in the process of transitioning out of sport. These factors are then further explained through Taylor and Ogilvie’s (1994) conceptual model of adaptation to career transition. Based on the above, an interprofessonal plan of care was developed, and the case was evaluated from the perspective of those involved: a licenced psychologist, his wife, and coach. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations, and provides an update of Pekka’s progress two years later.