Image credit: Nottingham Panthers
The Ice hockey forward, Adam Johnson, was fatally injured in a freak accident during the teams derby clash against the Steelers.
Johnson, 29, got his throat caught by a blade in last nights Challenge Cup clash at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, where 8000 fans witnessed the horrific incident.
The game was immediately stopped with screens brought onto the rink to shield the player as medics tried to save him.
The Yorkshire ambulance Service said they were called around 8.20pm.
Nottingham Panthers announced the news just before 9am this morning, the statement read: “The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night.”
There has been an outpour of ice hockey fans flooding to social media with messages of support for Johnson and his family.
Johnson’s injury meant almost immediately the game was abandoned and fans were promptly asked to leave the arena.
Nottingham Panthers added: “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 club will dearly miss him and will never forget him.”
Sheffield Steelers said: “Everyone at the Steelers sends their condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family and team mates.”
Johnson signed in August for Nottingham Panthers for the 2023-24 season, prior to this he was playing at the highest level in Germany for Augsburger Panther.
The Panthers game against Manchester today has been postponed alongside all other Elite League games and the home game on the 31 October against Glasglow Clan.