A forward for Nottingham Panthers has died after suffering a serious injury to his neck from a skate during Saturday’s Challenge Cup against the Sheffield Steelers.
The game at Sheffield Utilita Arena stopped in the 35th minute when 29-year-old Adam Johnson collapsed on the ice and needed emergency treatment.
He was later taken to Northern General Hospital, where he sadly passed away.
In a statement on Sunday, Nottingham Panthers said they are “truly devastated,” calling the incident a “freak accident”.
They said: “Adam, our 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.
“The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.
“The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time.”
The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night. pic.twitter.com/lhSOkDu03Q
— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) October 29, 2023
The Elite Ice Hockey League confirmed all matches on Sunday have been postponed “in light of this deeply upsetting news”.
They added: “The thoughts of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends, and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam’s family at this time.”
Protective screens and players formed a ring around Johnson while he was being treated on the ice, and 8,000 fans in attendance were asked to leave.
Sheffield Steelers issued a joint statement, saying, “Everyone at the Steelers send their condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family & teammates.”
Football club Sheffield Wednesday observed a minute’s silence before their Championship game against Rotherham United at Hillsborough on Sunday afternoon.
Born in Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Johnson previously played in America’s National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Penguins before moving to the Swedish Hockey League for the 2020-21 season.
He moved back to the American Hockey League to play for Ontario Reign and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms before signing for Nottingham Panthers in August after a brief spell with Augsburger Panthers in Germany.
If you require support following the distressing events outlined in this piece, please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/london/our-work/mental-health-support/help-and-support/.
Image Credit: Nottingham Panthers
