On Saturday, Adam Johnson, a former NHL player player died after what England's Elite Ice Hockey League labeled a "freak accident". Adam was 29 years old.
While playing for Nottingham Panthers, Johnson, collided with another player and suffered a slashed neck via a skate blade during the second period of a game at Sheffield's Utilita Arena. He received emergency treatment on the ice and was taken to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital.
Officials stopped the game and asked the fans to leave the building because of what the Panthers announced as a "major medical emergency."
On Sunday morning the team announced, "The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night."
"The Panthers would like to send our thoughts 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 heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing."
Johnson, who was a native of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, collected one goal and three assists as a forward in 13 games with the Penguins over parts of two seasons from 2018-20.
"The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon," the Penguins said in a statement. "We offer 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 our honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League."
The NHL said the following in a statement: "The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson. Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, friends, and teammates."
Adam Johnson
Nottingham Panthers
Adam Johnson
Courtesy photo: Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Our own Lehigh Valley Phantoms held a moment of silence Sunday evening. Adam played with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms during the 2021-22 season
Announcement by the Lehigh Valley Phantoms:
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are deeply saddened and devastated at the news of the sudden passing of former Phantom Adam Johnson during a game in England with the Nottingham Panthers.
The Phantoms send our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Adam, as well as all of his former teammates and those who knew him. We offer and wish comfort and strength for everyone during this shocking and immensely difficult time.
Adam was a wonderful person with a positive energy and was also a great teammate during his time in Lehigh Valley in the 2021-22 season.
His life was far too short.
Rest in Peace, Adam
According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, ice hockey has one of the highest rates of sports-related injuries (Source: AJSM). While helmets and padding provide some protection, there are still vulnerable areas left exposed - notably, players' necks and throats. Since this tragedy, some have come forward urging national and international ice hockey governing bodies to make it mandatory for all players regardless of age and ability wear neck/throat guards during play preventing this type of tragedy from occurring again.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Adam in addition to friends and teammates.
Statement by Nottingham Panthers Sunday