The hockey world is in mourning after the tragic death of former NHL forward, Adam Johnson. The devastating incident occurred during a game in Sheffield, England, in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers, and they were facing off against the Sheffield Steelers.
The grim event took place in the middle of the second period when an opposing player’s skate made contact with Johnson’s neck. It was a terrifying sight, and it led to the immediate evacuation of the arena as medical personnel rushed to his aid. Despite their efforts, Johnson was taken to a local hospital and later declared dead, according to a statement by the South Yorkshire Police. He was just 29 years old.
The Nottingham Panthers, the team he was representing, expressed their profound sadness in a statement.
They described Adam Johnson as not only an exceptional hockey player but also a remarkable teammate and an extraordinary individual with a bright future ahead. The club is deeply affected by the loss and is committed to keeping his memory alive.
In response to this tragedy, the South Yorkshire Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death. They’ve urged the public to refrain from speculating about the incident as they work to uncover the facts.
Adam Johnson had been in his first season with the Nottingham Panthers after having played with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins for parts of two seasons. He also had a stint in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks. Hailing from Hibbing, Minnesota, Johnson had previously served as the assistant captain of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s hockey team. In the 2016-17 season, he was a standout player, ranking second on the team in goals, points, and shots. He was instrumental in leading his team to a NCAA West Regional win and a National Collegiate Hockey Conference Frozen Faceoff championship. Moreover, he was selected to the NCHC All-Academic Team on two occasions.
The University of Minnesota Duluth, in a statement, expressed deep devastation over Johnson’s passing. They emphasized that he was not just a highly talented player on the ice but an even better person. Johnson remained connected to the program even after his time there, and the university is profoundly grateful for the time they had with him. They bid a heartfelt farewell to him, saying, “Adam, we love you, we will miss you.”