Former NHL player dies after ‘freak accident’ in English hockey league game

The Panthers said in a statement Sunday that they were “devastated to announce” that Johnson had died after the accident, which occurred in a game against the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

“The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him,” the team said. “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 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.”

The play occurred during a Challenge Cup game, which was immediately stopped as medical personnel rushed to Johnson and players formed a ring around him. Protective screens were raised and players returned to their dressing rooms. Johnson was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, and the Panthers asked on social media that the 8,000 fans in attendance “leave the building due to a major medical emergency.”

The South Yorkshire police said in a statement via Sky Sports that they were called to the arena at 8:25 p.m. and that an investigation was underway.

The Panthers’ games Sunday against Manchester and Tuesday against Glasgow were postponed.

“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 said. “The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances. 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.”

Johnson played 13 games for the Penguins over parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, registering a goal and three assists in 13 games. He spent part of the 2020-21 season in Sweden before playing for Ontario and Lehigh Valley in the American Hockey League. He later played in Germany before signing with Nottingham in August. A Minnesota native, he spent two seasons playing for the University of Minnesota Duluth.

In a statement released Sunday morning, the Penguins said they joined “the entire hockey world in mourning.”

Matt Cullen, a former Penguins center, described Johnson as a “salt-of-the-earth kind of guy.” “He’s one of those guys who just loves the game and being around the rink with the guys,” he said (via the Athletic).

The EIHL canceled Sunday’s games across the league “in light of this deeply upsetting news. The thoughts of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time.” It also spoke to fans who might have been distressed by the situation.

The accident was reminiscent of an injury suffered by goaltender Clint Malarchuk, widely remembered for the terrifying moment in 1989 when a skate slashed his jugular during a game. Malarchuk, then playing for the Buffalo Sabres, survived and quickly returned to the ice but dealt with PTSD as well as depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. In 2019, he told his story again in a documentary about his mental health struggles.