A Challenge Cup game in England between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers was abandoned after former Pittsburgh Penguins Adam Johnson was kicked in the neck by a skate.
After the incident, players from both teams had to retreat to the locker room. The 8,000 fans at the Utilita Arena Sheffield were also asked to leave the arena. According to British tabloid The Sun, screens were brought onto the ice to ensure the player’s privacy while he received appropriate medical attention from paramedics.
Today’s Challenge Cup hockey game between Sheffield and Nottingham has been abandoned following a very serious injury to a Panthers player. Players returned to their locker rooms and fans were asked to leave the building while urgent treatment was administered.
— BBC Nottingham Sport (@BBCRNS) October 28, 2023
Johnson also reportedly received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and was then taken to Northern Sheffield General Hospital. No further updates on the athlete’s health have been released at this time.
The latter played seven games for the Panthers this season, scoring four goals and three assists for seven points. He also collected one goal and three assists for four points in 13 National Hockey League (NHL) games between 2018 and 2020, all with the Penguins.