29 year old ice hockey player dies in freak on field accident.
Nottingham panthers forward, Adam Johnson, was killed on Saturday the 28th of October after an incident in which he had his neck sliced by the skate of Sheffield Steelers Matt Petgrave. The incident took place at the Utilita Arena during the second period of a challenge cup game.
Pittsburgh Penguins game in 2019. CREDIT: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY
The injury occurred after a collision which caused Matt Petgrave’s foot to fly into the air, cutting the neck of Adam Johnson. The Canadian tried to stand however quickly collapsed leading the team to form a protective shield around the player while he was treated. The stadium was then evacuated although fans were told to stay in there cars so that an ambulance would be able to make it to the player. He was eventually taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Nottingham Panthers released a statement saying “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” which was posted to the teams Twitter. His former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, paid tributes to him before there game and also wore AJ 47 on their helmets.
South Yorkshire police have released a statement saying: “"Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of inquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.”
In light of the incident the English Ice Hockey association said it will make neck guards mandatory for “all on-ice activites” coming into affect at the start of 2024 saying “We bear both a legal and a moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way. There is a distinct likelihood that comprehensive evaluations will transpire at the international level, and the EIHA is committed to taking an active and constructive role in this process”.
The WHL (Western Hockey League), a major junior league based in Canada, has also announced the adoption of mandatory neck guard protection which is being brought in on Friday November 3rd. Furthermore, buffalo sabres star defenseman rasmus dahlin was seen wearing neck protection in his most recent game against the Philadelphia flyers.
The Coventry Blaze have also given their condolences, offering a breakout room for people distressed by the event and creating a book of condolences for the player and his family which is open on Saturday.
By Joseph Cooney