A freak accident has taken the life of a former NHL player in one of the most horrifying scenes that the game of hockey has seen in some time.
During a game in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League on Saturday, Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson was involved in a scary collision in the middle of the ice that appeared to cause a Sheffield Steelers player’s skate to cut him in the neck area.
Players and medical staff can be seen frantically attending to Johnson in the frightening video that has made the rounds on social media, but we won’t be posting on here.
Sadly, Johnson would succumb to his injuries. He was only 29-years-old.
Following the injury, the players were sent to their locker rooms as Johnson was attended to. Shortly after that, the 8,000 fans in attendance at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena were told to leave the building because of a “major medical emergency.”
On Sunday, the Panthers released a statement, saying they were “heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.”
Via ESPN:
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“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.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League announced that all games on Sunday would be cancelled as a result of the tragedy.
Johnson played in 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2018 and 2020, recording a goal and four assists. He also spent time on the Pens, Flyers and Kings farm teams.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and teammates of Johnson.
