Matti Hagman, Finnish ice hockey player, Died at 61

Matti Risto Tapio “Hakki” Hagman was born on September 21, 1955, and died on October 11, 2016.

He was a Finnish ice hockey professional.

He was the first Finnish-born and Finnish-trained player to play an NHL game and the first to play in a Stanley Cup final.

Matti was the first Finnish-born player in NHL was Pentti Lund.

He never played hockey in Finland, having moved to Canada at the age of six.

Matti Hagman was the father of NHLer Niklas Hagman of the Anaheim Ducks.

He was also the brother-in-law of former indoor soccer star Kai Haaskivi.

His sister Riitta Salin won the European Championship (athletics) in 400 m in Rome in 1974.

He died after a long illness in Espoo, Finland.

Matti died in hospital after seeking treatment a few days earlier.

Matti Hagman passed away at 61 years old.