(Cupventi.com) – Former NHL player Adam Johnson met a tragic end in an unfortunate incident during a game in England on Saturday. His club, the Nottingham Panthers, and various reports revealed that he suffered a severe neck injury, described as a “freak accident.”
The distressing event unfolded in the second period of the Challenge Cup game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. It was reported that Johnson, 29, sustained a catastrophic cut to his neck from the skate of an opposing player during an on-ice collision.
In an official statement released on Sunday morning, the Nottingham Panthers expressed deep sorrow, announcing Johnson’s tragic passing and extending condolences to his family, partner, and friends. The statement described Johnson, also known as number 47, not only as an exceptional ice hockey player but also as a remarkable teammate and person with a promising future. The club expressed profound sadness and emphasized that Johnson would be dearly missed and never forgotten.
According to ESPN, immediate medical attention was provided to Johnson on the ice before he was transported to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. As players left the ice, the nearly 8,000 fans were reportedly asked to leave the arena. In response to Johnson’s passing, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) declared the postponement of all games scheduled for Sunday.
The EIHL, in a statement, conveyed condolences to Adam’s family, friends, and teammates, urging everyone to respect the privacy of Johnson’s family during this difficult time. Adam Johnson, originally from Minnesota, had played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, contributing with one goal and three assists.
The Pittsburgh Penguins also joined in mourning Johnson’s untimely death, expressing deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who shared the hockey journey with him. They acknowledged that Adam would always be remembered as part of the Penguins family.