Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player, Adam Johnson, 29, died during a match at the Sheffield Arena after a ‘freak accident’ left him slashed on the neck.
Spectators were evacuated and police were called to Utilita Arena Sheffield after a ‘major medical emergency’, after which Johnson was taken to the hospital.
The Nottingham Panthers posted on their social media at 8:23pm: “33:47 – the game is stopped for a bad injury. Steelers 2 Panthers 1”.
The Elite Ice Hockey League released a statement confirming the death and have postponed all of Sundays games. In their statement they said: “The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.”
In a statement by The Panthers, they said: “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.”
Sheffield Wednesday had a minute’s silence prior to their match today at Hillsborough to pay their respects to the hockey player.
Fans have taken to social media to show their support and condolences.
