NOTTINGHAM (WOLF) — Former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Pittsburgh Penguins player, Adam Johnson, died from injuries following a freak accident on Oct. 28, while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).
Johnson was playing against the Sheffield Steelers during a Challenge Cup game when his neck was cut by a Sheffield player's skate during a collision at 33:47. Before he could make it off the ice, he collapsed.
Players returned to their locker rooms before Nottingham announced that Sheffield's Utilita Arena was to be evacuated "due to a major medical emergency."
Johnson was pronounced deceased at the hospital later that night, according to police.
The Panthers and both Penguins teams announced Johnson's passing on Sunday, Oct. 29, describing the incident as a 'freak accident.'
Johnson was 29. It was his first season with Nottingham.
On Monday, Oct. 30, the South Yorkshire Police announced that they were investigating Johnson's death.
Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries.Johnson, a Minnesota native, spent three years with the Penguins organization, spending three seasons with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The team said that Johnson "was respected for his work on the ice, and was an important part of our community and organization."
The Pittsburgh Penguins, whom Johnson played 13 games with, said "Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family."
The EIHL postponed all Sunday games following Johnson's tragic death.
Before Sunday's game between Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Hershey Bears, the teams held a moment of silence on the center ice.
Johnson also played for the Ontario Reign following his time with the Penguins. On Sunday, Ontario honored Johnson, placing his jersey at center ice.
Johnson's passing has renewed talks for neck protectors for hockey players.
In 1989, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk was severely injured after a skate from a St. Louis Blues player cut his neck. He survived after receiving a near-immediate response while still on the ice.
In 2008, Florida Panthers player Richard Zednik was also severely injured after a teammate's skate cut his neck, but he was able to receive attention after skating toward the bench where staff responded to him.
In 2022, USA Hockey released a statement regarding the use of neck protectors for players, urging more research for suitable neck guards and asking players to wear protective neck guards.
Following Johnson's death, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) released a statement on Monday regarding the use of neck protectors:
It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport. Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future. We bear both a legal and a moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way. There is a distinct likelihood that comprehensive evaluations will transpire at the international level, and the EIHA is committed to taking an active and constructive role in this comprehensive process.The EIHA also made an immediate recommendation that all players across the EIH use an "approved Ice Hockey Neck Guard/Protector whilst participating in all on-ice activities." Due to anticipated supply issues, it will not be made mandatory until Dec. 31, 2023.
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