Nottingham Panthers’ Adam Johnson dies due to tragic neck injury during ice hockey game.
Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson tragically passed away after a severe neck injury caused by a skate during a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday. The game was halted in the 35th minute as paramedics attended to the 29-year-old American on the ice.
The Panthers expressed their devastation and fondness for Johnson, describing him not only as an exceptional ice hockey player but also an outstanding teammate and an incredible individual with a promising future. They extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, partner, and friends during this incredibly challenging time.
In a touching display of solidarity, players, staff, and fans visited Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena to lay flowers and offer their support. The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) announced the postponement of Sunday’s matches across the UK in light of the tragic news, expressing their condolences for Adam’s family and team-mates.
The Panthers’ upcoming games, including one against the Manchester Storm on Sunday and another against the Glasgow Clan on Tuesday, were also postponed. Johnson’s fellow players formed a protective circle around him immediately after the incident before protective screens were raised, and he was transported to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.
The Panthers requested respect for the privacy of Johnson’s family and friends and expressed their gratitude to everyone who rushed to his aid in the face of such a challenging situation. They closed their statement with a heartfelt “Rest in peace, Adam.”
Adam Johnson had previously played in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins and later in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) before joining the Nottingham Panthers. The Sheffield Steelers and Sheffield Wednesday Football Club paid their respects, as did the Pittsburgh Penguins and the NHL, offering condolences and expressing their sorrow.
Augsburger Panther, another of Johnson’s former teams, planned a moment of silence before their game against Dusseldorfer EG. Local MPs Alex Norris and Lilian Greenwood shared their condolences for Johnson and his loved ones, expressing the city’s grief over the tragic loss.
