Former NHL player Adam Johnson has passed away following an on ice accident during his England Elite Ice Hockey League game.
Johnson, 29, was involved in an on ice collision in the 2nd period where his throat was struck by an errant skate blade. Officials immediately stopped the game, and fans were sent home given the severity of the situation.
The Nottingham Panthers initially labelled the incident a “major medical emergency” as Johnson received on ice emergency treatment. He was quickly taken to Nottingham General Hospital, but sadly passed away during the night.
“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing,” the Panthers said in a statement. “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.
“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.”
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.”
Prior to attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Johnson starred for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL. After going undrafted, the Grand Rapids native signed with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, whom he played 185 games with over this career.
Johnson spent parts of two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2018-2020 where he recorded 4pts (1G, 3A) across 13 games with the club. The journeyman centre would go on to spend parts of the following seasons with the Malmo Redhawks in the Swedish Elite League, the Ontario Reign of the AHL, and the Augsburg Panthers in the DEL, before joining Nottingham for the 2023-24 season.
“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.”
Across 7 games for the Panthers, Johnson had posted 7pts (4G, 3A). All EIHL games were postponed on Sunday as a result of his passing.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
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