Former NHL player Adam Johnson died after what England’s Elite Ice Hockey League labeled a “freak accident” during a game on Saturday. He was 29.
Johnson, who was playing for the Nottingham Panthers, collided with another player and suffered a slashed neck via a skate 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.”
“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 said Sunday morning.
“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, a native of Grand Rapids, Minn., 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.”
–Field Level Media
On a season-high five-game winning streak, the visiting Minnesota Wild will face an additional challenge of a short turnaround on Saturday when they face the host Los Angeles Kings. The…
The Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the hottest teams in the NHL, get a chance to shake off a rare recent loss when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday…
Trae Young hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 7.4 seconds left in overtime, helping the Atlanta Hawks beat the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 134-132 on Friday. Young had 31 points and…
Leafs, Penguins eye bounce-back performance
NBA roundup: Trae Young’s trey in OT lifts Hawks past Lakers
NHL roundup: Caps set team record with road win vs. Leafs
Colorado State out to halt rival Colorado’s home success