Former NHL striker and Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has died after a “freak accident” during a game in Britain’s top ice hockey league, his club has confirmed.
The Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers was abandoned in the 34th minute after an on-ice collision in which Johnson appeared to have suffered a severe cut to his neck from a skate. Fans were later asked to leave the stadium in Sheffield as the club’s X account (formerly Twitter) reported it was a “serious medical emergency”.
The Panthers said Sunday they were “truly devastated” to announce the 29-year-old American had died.
A statement said: “Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a horrific accident during last night’s game in Sheffield.”
They added: “The club will miss him greatly and never forget him.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person who had his whole life ahead of him.
“The Panthers would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner and all of his friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management and owners, are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s death.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) announced that all games scheduled for Sunday, October 29th have been postponed in light of “deeply disturbing news.”
Johnson joined the Panthers this summer to play in the EIHC, which has 10 franchises including teams in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
He previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL, recording one goal and four points in 13 games during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Before joining Pittsburgh, Johnson played two seasons at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
In his speech Saturday night, former Pittsburgh center Matt Cullen described Johnson as “an unreal kid, just a great guy.”
“A down-to-earth guy,” Cullen said. “So, so humble and a very uncomplicated person. He’s one of those guys that just loves the game and loves being on the rink with the guys.”
The EIHL said it was “heartbroken” and said: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone involved with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad time.”
The Sheffield Steelers wrote: “Everyone at the Steelers sends our condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family and teammates.”
Sheffield Wednesday said they would observe a minute’s silence in memory of Johnson before their Championship football match on Sunday.
Corey Pronman of The Athletic contributed to this story.
(Photo: Joe Sargent / NHLI via Getty Images)