Ex-NHL player Adam Johnson dies after being slashed by skate،
Former NHL player Adam Johnson has died after a “freak accident” during his England team’s game on Saturday. He was 29 years old.
The Nottingham Panthers, who play in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League, announced Sunday that the organization was “heartbroken by the news of Adam’s passing.”
Officials stopped the Panthers’ game Saturday against the Sheffield Steelers after Johnson was involved in an on-ice collision during the second period. Johnson’s throat was cut by a skate blade during the collision, according to the team.
Johnson received emergency treatment on the ice and the players eventually returned to the locker room after being taken to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. Nearly 8,000 fans at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena were asked to leave the building due to what the Panthers announced was a “major medical emergency”.
“Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management and owners, is heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing,” the Panthers said in a statement. “Our thoughts are also with the supporters and staff of both clubs, particularly those who attended or followed the match, who will be devastated by today’s news.
“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most trying of circumstances.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an exceptional ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The Club will greatly miss and never forget him.”
The EIHL announced that all games on Sunday were postponed.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected to the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates during this incredibly sad and difficult time,” the league said.
Johnson appeared in 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins over two seasons from 2018 to 2020, scoring one goal and recording 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 was tragically ended 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 our honor to see him see his dream of playing for the Penguins of the National Hockey League come true.”
The NHL also released a statement saying, “Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates. »
Johnson was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and played at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He began his career overseas in 2020 and was in his first season with the Panthers.
