Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson dies after neck slashed by skate in ‘freak accident’
Professional ice hockey player Adam Johnson has died in a “freak accident” after suffering a serious cut to his neck during a game.
The 29-year-old Nottingham Panthers forward reportedly suffered the injury during the second period of Nottingham Panthers’ Challenge Cup match with Sheffield Steelers on Saturday night.
The game was stopped in the 35th minute as Mr Johnson received emergency treatment from paramedics on the ice at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, the BBC reported.
On Sunday morning, a statement from his team said: “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.
“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.
“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.
“Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news.
“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.”
The club added: “Adam, our number 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.
“We ask that the privacy of Adam’s family and friends, and everyone at the club is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief.”
More than 8,000 people were at the arena when the incident took place. Shortly afterwards the Panthers said that fans had been asked to evacuate due to a “major medical emergency”.
Minnesota-born Mr Johnson played for the Pittsburg Penguins in the National Hockey League before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks.
He went on to play in Canada for the Ontario Reign and in Germany for the Augsburger Panther before agreeing to join Nottingham for the 2023-24 campaign.
Sunday’s three Elite League games in Belfast, Fife and Guildford have been postponed following Johnson’s death.
A statement from the Elite Ice Hockey league said it was “heartbroken” and confirmed all Sunday’s matches had been “postponed” in light of the “deeply upsetting news”.
Sheffield said in its own statement: “Everyone at the Steelers sends their condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family & teammates.”
Additional reporting by PA
