Nottingham Panthers star dies after horror injury in British ice hockey clash
An ice hockey star has passed away after suffering a horror injury while playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers in the Challenge Cup.
Adam Johnson, 29, was fatally wounded by a skate blade in a freak accident during a mid-ice collision with an opponent. He slit his throat on a skate and collapsed on the ice and was given emergency medical treatment.
Johnson's aunt Kari Johnson confirmed the news in an emotional statement. Alongside two pictures of herself with Adam, she wrote on Facebook: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always Munch".
A statement from the Panthers read: "The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night.
"The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and 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 are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
"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. We ask that the privacy of Adam’s family and friends, and everyone at the club is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief. Rest in peace Adam."
Adam Johnson suffered a freak injury on the ice (NHLI via Getty Images)The Elite League said in a statement: "In light of this deeply upsetting news, the Elite League has postponed all games scheduled to take place on Sunday 29 October 2023.
"The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and team mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam’s family at this time.
"Many of us will have found Saturday’s events very distressing. Please take care of yourselves and each other."
Kari Johnson has paid tribute to her son Adam (Facebook)
Adam Johnson was 29 years old (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)The Sheffield Steelers tweeted: "Everyone at the Steelers send their condolences to Adam Johnson's partner, family & team mates." Elite League side Belfast Giants wrote: "Our thoughts and prayers are with @PanthersIHC player, #47 Adam Johnson and the whole EIHL hockey family during this time."
Manchester Storm, who were due to play the Panthers on Sunday, tweeted: "Our thoughts, prayers and full support are with those involved at the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers organisations after last nights freak accident. This is a deeply tragic accident and at a loss for words - but all at Manchester Storm offer our love and support."
Local football club Notts County wrote: "We are heartbroken to hear this tragic news and send our love and thoughts to Adam’s family, the Panthers and everyone affected."
Eyewitnesses say players from both teams formed a human shield around him, while screens were also erected. The crowd, believed to be around 8,000, were asked to immediately leave the Sheffield Arena and the match was abandoned. Johnson was rushed to hospital in an ambulance, but it has now been announced he has passed away.
He joined the Panthers for the 2023/24 season having previously starred in North America, including 13 games for NHL side Pittsburgh Penguins.
Disabled woman paralysed after falling from wheelchair on plane walkway dies
Adam Johnson playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHLI via Getty Images)Journalist Peter Spencer posted from the match: "Nottingham Panthers player badly hurt after a collision in mid-ice. Paramedics are now on the ice, players are forming a ring around him and now screens are up around him. Awful scenes here at Sheffield Arena."
Sheffield were leading the fixture 2-1 thanks to goals from Brandon Whistle and Patrick Watling at the time of the stoppage. Mathieu Lemay tallied for the Panthers.
The clubs are arguably the two biggest in the British game and enjoy what is widely considered to be the fiercest rivalry in the domestic ranks. The Challenge Cup runs alongside the Elite League, which features teams from all four countries of the UK.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
