Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson has died after suffering a serious neck injury during a British Ice Hockey Challenge Cup game on Saturday, the league’s website reported on Sunday. BBC.
The game against the Sheffield Steelers was stopped in the 35th minute when the 29-year-old American was hit in the neck by an opponent’s slide. He received emergency treatment from paramedics on the ice.
His teammates formed a circle around Johnson immediately after the incident, before the pads were removed and the players returned to the dressing room. He was later taken to Sheffield North General Hospital.
Prior to arriving in the UK, Johnson previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he played 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He moved to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the 2020–21 season before playing for the Ontario Reign and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League.
Johnson played for German side Augsburger Panther before signing with Nottingham Panthers in August.
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) has confirmed that Sunday’s games across the UK have been postponed.
Local police said they had opened an investigation when the incident was reported. “Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is still ongoing,” they added.
Following the event, the English Ice Hockey Association recommended that all members wear approved neck guards, which will be mandatory from 2024. (Yo)
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