ESPN Oct 29, 2023, 6:57 a.m. ET2 Minutes display
Former NHL player Adam Johnson died after a “freak accident” during his England team’s game on Saturday. He was 29.
The Nottingham Panthers, who play in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), announced on Sunday that the organization was “heartbroken by the news of Adam’s death.”
Officials stopped the Panthers’ game against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday after Johnson was involved in an on-ice collision in the second period. Johnson received emergency treatment on the ice and the players eventually returned to the dressing room after he was taken to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
Almost 8,000 fans at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield were asked to leave the building because the Panthers announced a “serious medical emergency”.
Adam Johnson was in his first season with the Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL. He appeared in 13 games for the Penguins from 2018 to 2020.Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire
“Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management and ownership, is heartbroken by the news of Adam’s death,” the Panthers said in a statement. “Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, particularly those who attended or watched the game and who will be devastated by today’s news.”
“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who supported Adam last night in the most difficult of circumstances.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person who still has his whole life ahead of him. The club will miss him dearly and never forget him.”
The EIHL announced that all games on Sunday have been postponed.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone associated with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time,” the league said.
Johnson appeared in 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins over two seasons from 2018 to 2020, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He spent parts of three seasons with the Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and also played for the AHL affiliates of the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life ended tragically far too soon,” the Penguins said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was an honor to watch him realize his dream of playing in the Penguins National Hockey League.”
Johnson was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and played at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He began his career overseas in 2020 and played his first season with the Panthers.