Ice hockey player dies in ‘freak accident’ after neck slashed by skate mid-game
Ice hockey player dies in ‘freak accident’ after neck slashed by skate mid-game
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A professional ice hockey player has died aged just 29 after having his neck slashed by another player’s skate in a “freak accident”.
Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson was treated by paramedics on the ice and was later taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.
The incident took place during Saturday’s Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers in front of an 8,000 crowd.
The game was abandoned shortly afterwards.
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Players formed a ring around Johnson to shield him from the public gaze before protective screens were raised and players told to return to the locker rooms.
The Panthers said on social media that fans were “asked to leave the building due to a major medical incident”.
On Sunday, the team said they were “devastated” that Johnson had died following a “freak accident”.
“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 said in a statement.
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Adam Johnson previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins
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“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.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) confirmed matches scheduled to take place on Sunday across the UK have been postponed “in light of this deeply upsetting news”.
The EIHL added: “The thoughts of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam's family, friends and team-mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”
The Panthers continued to say on social media: “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.
“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.
“Rest in peace Adam.”
Johnson had a distinguished career in North America’s National Hockey League (NHL), playing 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Johnson signed with the Panthers in August having recently played for the Swedish Hockey League, Augsburger Panthers in Germany, the Ontario Reign and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the NHL.