Former NHL player Adam Johnson dies after ‘freak accident’ during game

Johnson, born in Minnesota, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League against the Sheffield Steelers at the time of the accident.

Johnson collided with a Steelers player during their game on the 28th of October, during the collision Johnson’s neck was cut by the skate of the Steelers player.

Initially unaware of the severity of his injury, Johnson tried to skate off the ice, making his way to the Panthers’ bench when he collapsed.

Upon seeing the severity of Johnson’s injury, both teams formed a protective circle around Johnson, blocking the view of spectators and allowing him medical attention.

At the time of the incident, there was a crowd of over 8,000 in attendance. These spectators were evacuated from the arena following the incident. The game ended when officials realized how severe Johnson’s injuries were.

After prolonged treatment on the ice, Johnson was transferred to the Northern Great Hospital in Sheffield where he was pronounced dead.

The news of Johnson’s death was not made public until Sunday the 29th of October to ensure family and friends were alerted before it made the news.

The EIHL suspended all remaining games for the weekend, with various organizations working with the Panthers to raise funds to support Johnson’s family. Fans gathered outside the Nottingham Arean to lay flowers in memory.

The Panthers released a statement announcing Johnson’s passing, saying, “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 team would continue their statement by saying, “Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great team-mate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. 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.”

Johnson made his debut in professional hockey as part of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, playing seven games during the 2018-19 season, scoring one goal in the NHL. The team released their own statement, saying, “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 Steelers also released their own statement following Johnson’s death, saying, “Everyone at the Steelers send their condolences to Adam Johnson's partner, family and team-mates.”

Adam Johnson was engaged to Ryan Wolfe who posted a picture of Johnson with the caption, “My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always.”

Following the incident, there have been some calls for players to wear neckguards, something that has been made mandatory for players under 20 in the UK to wear.

Following Johnson’s stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson decided to move to the Swedish club, Malmö Redhawks where played for a season. He then spent time with the Ontario Reign and Lehigh Valley Phantoms before signing with Augsburger Panther in Germany before agreeing terms with the Nottingham Panthers for the 2022-23 season.

Johnson is survived by his parents, Davey and Sue, as well as his older brother Ryan.