Former NHL player Adam Johnson died after what England’s Elite Ice Hockey League called an “unusual accident” during a game Saturday.
Johnson, who was 29 and playing for the Nottingham Panthers, collided with another player and suffered a cut to the neck from a skate blade during the second period of a game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. He received emergency treatment at the track and was taken to Sheffield North General Hospital.
Referees stopped the game and asked fans to leave the building due to 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 match in Sheffield last night,” the team said on Sunday morning.
“The Panthers would like to send their 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, is devastated by the news of the Adam’s passing.”
Johnson, a native of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, scored one goal and provided three assists as a forward in 13 games with the Penguins over two seasons from 2018-2020.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life ended tragically too soon,” the team said in a statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of his past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was an honor for us to see him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.
The NHL released the following statement: “The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguins player Adam Johnson. Our deepest prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates.”