Adam Johnson, Nottingham Panthers forward, died following a skate-related neck laceration in a Challenge Cup match on Saturday.
Immediate Response and Grief
The Sheffield Steelers match was stopped in the 35th minute while paramedics treated the 29-year-old American on the ice.
On Sunday, the Panthers expressed their “devastation” at Johnson’s death, which they attributed to a “horrific accident.”
“The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him,” according to them.
Adam, our number 47, was a great ice hockey player, teammate, and person with his whole life ahead of him.
The Panthers offer their heartfelt condolences and best wishes to Adam’s family, partner, and friends during this difficult time.
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“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.”
Players laid flowers and spoke with several hundred supporters at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Sunday.
EIHL Cancels Games
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) suspended all UK Sunday games “in light of this extremely distressing news.
“The thoughts of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and team-mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time,” the organization stated.
The Panthers were scheduled to travel to face Manchester Storm on Sunday. However, the club has now verified that their home match on Tuesday against Glasgow Clan has also been rescheduled.
Johnson was encircled by teammates in a ring after the contest until protective barriers were removed and players changed rooms.
Later, he was transported to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
Shortly after the incident, the Panthers announced via Twitter that the 8,000 spectators had “been requested to vacate the premises in light of a significant medical emergency.”
“Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news,” according to the Panthers.
The Panthers thank everyone who rushed to Adam’s aid last night during his most difficult time.
We sincerely request that Adam’s family, friends, and club members be alone during this difficult time while we grieve.
“Rest in peace Adam.”
Johnson previously appeared in thirteen games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL) of North America.
After the 2020-21 SHL season, he played for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Ontario Reign in the Americans.
Prior to joining the Nottingham Panthers in August, Johnson was a member of the Augsburger Panthers in Germany.
Steelers spearhead Johnson’s memorials “Everyone at the Steelers extends their deepest condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family, and teammates,” the organization said in a statement.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship match against Rotherham at Hillsborough began with a minute of silence on Sunday.
“Our deepest condolences are extended to Adam’s family, friends, teammates, and all those impacted by the tragic incidents that transpired yesterday evening.” Wednesday further departed on X, which was previously Twitter.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson’s former club, stated, ‘Adam will perpetually be considered a member of the Penguins family.'” We were privileged to witness him accomplish his aspiration of making his debut in the National Hockey League.
The NHL additionally stated: “Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, friends and team-mates.”
Another of Johnson’s former teams, Augsburger Panther, announced via social media that they would observe a moment of silence prior to Tuesday’s match against Dusseldorfer EG.
Nottingham North Member of Parliament Alex Norris described Johnson’s passing as “devastating news” for the municipality.
Lilian Greenwood, a member of parliament for Nottingham South, further stated, “I am certain that our city’s thoughts are with Adam Johnson’s family, friends, teammates, club members, fans, and the broader ice hockey community.”
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