Nottingham Panthers withdraw from competition after tragic death of player
Nottingham Panthers have announced they have withdrawn from this season's Challenge Cup after the tragic death of player Adam Johnson.
The Panthers were in action in the competition against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28 when tragedy struck. Johnson was killed in a freak incident which saw the blade from the skate of an opposition player slash his throat.
He was given immediate medical attention on the ice, including CPR, before being rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead aged just 29. Nottingham are yet to return to the ice, while Sheffield will do so for the first time this weekend.
The Panthers were due to play another three games in the group stage of the competition, twice against Manchester and another clash with the Steelers. But those will now not take place, while the club say they will issue a further update on their league commitments.
"The Nottingham Panthers would like to provide supporters with a fresh update about our fixtures this season," the club said in a statement.
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"The Panthers will withdraw from this season’s Challenge Cup and will take no further part in the competition Supporters who purchased tickets for following matches will have their money refunded in the next 10 to 14 working days.
- Sunday 29th October: Nottingham Panthers v Manchester Storm
- Saturday 18th November: Nottingham Panthers v Manchester Storm
"This also means the game away at Sheffield Steelers on Saturday 25th November has been cancelled.
"We’d like to thank fans again for their support at this difficult time and will provide a fresh update about fixtures in the coming days, including details about the postponed league games and rearranged dates."
Johnson, who played in the NHL for Pittsburgh Penguins, was laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota on Monday. His family published a touching obituary paying tribute to the star.
"Adam loved the outdoors and the simple things in life. He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favourite music," it read.
Johnson in action for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL (NHLI via Getty Images)"Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancee Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together. Adam loved to live a slower life and took pleasure in the small, everyday things.
"Simple pleasures Adam enjoyed were manually grinding his coffee beans, seeing the colours of each sunset, sitting lakeside by a bonfire with a glass of his favourite red wine, and trying out new dinner recipes. But more than anything, he loved a good deal on Costco steaks.
"He loved to be out pontooning with his future in-laws on Swan Lake, making memories at the Pig's Eye, and family get-togethers. Adam and Ryan were lucky enough to have had many travels and enjoyed taking in the beauty of the world together.
"From Christmas markets in Germany to pistachio gelato in Italy, Adam found something to love everywhere. Adam had a quiet confidence about him and was never boastful. He was never looking to be the centre of attention, but rather he preferred to listen to others and do what he could to make them feel important.
"He was many things to many people, but to those who were lucky enough to be loved by Adam knew he was thoughtful, patient and genuinely authentic. He loved his fiancee, family, and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanour will be eternally missed."
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