US Ice Hockey player Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a severe injury during Saturday’s match between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
Johnson, 29, an American national, reportedly sustained a slashed neck after a collision on the ice during the second period. Fans were immediately instructed to vacate the venue post the accident.
On Sunday, the Nottingham Panthers club released an emotional statement, “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. Adam, our number 47, was an exceptional ice hockey player, a wonderful teammate, and an extraordinary individual with his entire future ahead. The loss is profound, and he will forever remain in our hearts.”
Born in Minnesota, Johnson had a stellar career, previously playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League. He also played in Sweden for the Malmo Redhawks during the 2020-21 season, followed by stints in Canada with the Ontario Reign and in Germany with the Augsburger Panther. He had recently signed on with Nottingham for the 2023-24 season.
Sheffield Steelers, in conjunction with the Elite Ice Hockey League, expressed their profound grief, “The thoughts and condolences of everyone associated with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends, and teammates during this unbearably sad period.”
After the incident, a spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust reported that they were summoned to the scene shortly after 8 pm on Saturday and dispatched two ambulances and a critical care paramedic. Johnson was promptly transported to the hospital.
Out of respect and mourning, all fixtures for Sunday, 29 October in the Elite League have been postponed.