Erkki Laine

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameErkki Juhani•Laine
Used nameErkki•Laine
Nick/petnamesEki
Born13 September 1957 in Lahti, Päijät-Häme (FIN)
Died22 August 2009 in Kalkkinen, Asikkala, Päijät-Häme (FIN)
Measurements174 cm / 78 kg
AffiliationsFärjestads BK, Karlstad (SWE)
NOC Finland
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Erkki Laine started to play hockey in 1975 in Reipas Lahti and helped them to rise from first division to SM-liiga in 1976. He was the best goalscorer of Finnish first division in the year. In 1978, Laine joined Leksands IF in Swedish Allsvenskan and in 1981 he was the best goalscorer of Allsvenskan. In 1982 he played two months in Reipas Lahti, before joining Färjestads BK, where he played until 1988. In 1985 he was again the best goalscorer of Allsvenskan. After leaving Färjestads BK, Laine played one season in Berlin Capitals and one season in HC Davos and from 1990 to 1995 he played again in Reipas Lahti. On the evening of August 22, 2009, Erkki Laine went from Kalkkinen, where he had his summer cottage, to fishing with his boat and never returned. His boat was found two days later at the bottom of lake by divers and his body was found one day after his boat. The cause of death was drowning. Both his daughters Emma and Essi are professional tennis players, Emma’s highest career singles ranking has been World No. 50 on August 7, 2006.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1984 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey (Ice Hockey) FIN Erkki Laine
Ice Hockey, Men (Olympic) Finland 6
1988 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey (Ice Hockey) FIN Erkki Laine
Ice Hockey, Men (Olympic) Finland 2 Silver