Adam Johnson, the former NHL forward and Nottingham Panthers player, has died after a “freak accident” during a match in Britain’s premier hockey league, his club has confirmed.
The Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers was stopped in the 34th minute after an on-ice collision in which Johnson appeared to suffer a serious cut to his neck caused by skating. Fans were later asked to leave the stadium in Sheffield due to what the club’s X (formerly Twitter) account described as a “major medical emergency”.
The Panthers said on Sunday that they were “truly shocked” when they announced the death of the 29-year-old American.
A statement read: “Nottingham Panthers are truly shocked to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident during the match in Sheffield last night.
They added: “The club will miss him greatly and will never forget him.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and a great person with his whole life ahead of him.
“The Panthers would like to send our condolences 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 deeply saddened by the news of Adam’s passing.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) said all games scheduled for Sunday, October 29 have been postponed in light of the “extremely disturbing news.” The Panthers’ match against Glasgow Clan on October 31 has also been postponed.
Johnson joined the Panthers this summer to play in the English Premier League, which has 10 teams including teams in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
He previously played for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring a goal and four points in 13 games during parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Before joining Pittsburgh, Johnson played collegiately at the University of Minnesota Duluth for two seasons.
“The entire hockey world is in mourning.”
Speaking on Saturday night, former Pittsburgh center Matt Cullen called Johnson “an unreal kid, just a great guy.”
“A salt-of-the-earth kind of guy,” Colin said. “So, he’s a very humble person and very easy to be around. He’s one of those guys that loves the game and being around the rink with the guys.”
The Penguins released a statement Sunday morning UK time, saying they joined “the entire hockey world in mourning.”
They added: “Adam will always be part of the Penguins family. It was an honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the NHL.
The EIHL said it was “heartbroken” and said: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone associated with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
“Everyone at the Steelers sends their condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family and teammates,” the Sheffield Steelers posted.
Sheffield Wednesday said they would hold a minute’s silence before Sunday’s Football Championship match in memory of Johnson.
The athlete Corey Bronman contributed to this story.
(Photo: Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
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