Adam Johnson: Nottingham Panthers forward passed away during the Challenge Cup after suffering a neck cut

According to his family, a 29-year-old ice hockey player who is thought to have suffered a terrible injury during a game when a blade went through his throat passed away.

The severity of Adam Johnson’s injury resulted in the game having to be called off, leaving devastated supporters in tears.

The American sportsman is thought to have suffered a strange injury during tonight’s Nottingham Panthers vs. Sheffield Steelers game at Utilita Arena Sheffield when an ice hockey blade got lodged in his neck.

This morning, his mother Kari shared her sadness on social media, telling pals, “I lost half of my heart today.”

Additionally, his squad paid homage to ‘a fantastic teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him’, saying they were ‘deeply devastated’ by the news.

The Elite Ice Hockey League postponed all of today’s scheduled games, expressing their “heartbreak” over the “deeply upsetting” news.

In the 35th minute of the game against the Sheffield Steelers, play was halted while paramedics provided medical care to the 29-year-old American on the ice.

The Panthers announced on Sunday that Johnson had passed away due to a “freak accident” and that they were “devastated”.

“The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him,” they stated.

“Our number 47, Adam, was not just a superb ice hockey player but also a fantastic teammate and an amazing individual with his entire life ahead of him.

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“During this incredibly trying time, the Panthers would like to extend our sympathies and thoughts to Adam’s partner, family, and all of his friends.

“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.”

The postponement of Sunday’s matches across the UK has been confirmed by the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) “in light of this deeply upsetting news.”

“The thoughts of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and team-mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time,” stated the EIHL.

The Panthers’ home game against Glasgow Clan on Tuesday has also been postponed, the team has confirmed. The Panthers were scheduled to play Manchester Storm on Sunday.

Following the altercation, teammates surrounded Johnson in a circle before the players went back to their locker rooms and protective screens were lifted.

Afterwards, he was brought to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.

Shortly after the event, the Panthers announced that 8,000 spectators had “been asked to leave the building due to a major medical emergency.”

“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 added.

“The Panthers would want to express their gratitude to everyone who came forward last night in Adam’s most trying situation.

“At this trying time, as we all try to process our loss, we ask that the privacy of Adam’s family, friends, and everyone else at the club be respected.

“Rest in peace Adam.”

Johnson was a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins for 13 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) of North America.

After stints with the American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he moved to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the 2020–21 campaign.

Prior to joining the Nottingham Panthers in August, Johnson was a player with the Augsburger Panthers in Germany.

BBC