Yorkshire Police investigating death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson
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Members of the Anaheim Ducks and the Pittsburgh Penguins stand for a moment of silence at the PPG Paints Arena to honor former Penguin forward Adam Johnson who was tragically killed in a hockey-related accident in Sheffield.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SHEFFIELD – Police are investigating the death of Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson on Saturday after what the club described as a “freak accident” during a game in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League.
The American, 29, received emergency treatment following the incident – he was cut in the neck by a skate blade after a collision with another player – in the clash with Sheffield Steelers in Sheffield and his club announced the tragic death on Sunday.
“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 club said.
South Yorkshire Police subsequently issued a statement regarding the incident at the Utilita Arena.
“Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.
“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.”
The Sun quoted Panthers’ fan Hazel Woods, who witnessed the incident, as saying: “What happened was horrible and I can’t get the image out of my head.
“It is like a bad dream I can’t wake up from.”
The English Ice Hockey Association, the sport’s governing body in England and Wales, said on Monday the safety of players must take precedence above all else and made neck guards mandatory from Jan 1 for all on-ice activities.
The requirement was not implemented with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues but the association made a “strong recommendation” that players at all levels start using neck guards.
“It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport,” the body said in a statement.
“Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heartbreaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.”
Sidney Crosby, captain of the United States’ National Hockey League (NHL) side Pittsburgh Penguins, was among Johnson’s former teammates who spoke on Monday.
“It’s something that we’ve all been thinking about since finding out,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
“He’s just a great guy, great teammate. An awesome attitude when he was here.
“Was just generally happy to be playing in the NHL. So it’s heartbreaking that that’s happened.”
Johnson played for Pittsburgh from 2018 to 2020 before stints in Sweden and Germany. REUTERS
