Nottingham Panthers’ player Adam Johnson suffered a “freak accident” during their ice hockey match against Sheffield Steelers last week. Witnesses described the 29-year-old’s accident as horrific. It left many in the Sheffield Arena in tears. It was confirmed the next morning that the disastrous accident had led to Johnson’s unfortunate demise. Let’s find out what had unfolded.
On October 28, 2023, the Panthers faced the Steelers at the Sheffield Arena in a Challenge Cup match. Johnson, originally from Minnesota, USA, sustained a cut on his neck from Steelers’ Matt Petgrave. According to The Guardian’s Matt Bennett, the players were “blindsided” and Petgrave’s skating blade cut open Johnson’s neck. It was a deep gash which created a pool of blood on the floor.
Johnson tried to skate toward his bench immediately after but he collapsed. Bennett claimed, “The Sheffield player clearly got knocked off his feet and his skate went up and slit [Johnson’s] throat. I’ve never seen that amount of blood come out of anyone at any sort of pace. It is one of the grimmest things I’ve ever seen at a sports event.”
There were approximately 8,000 people in the stadium – a lot of them children – and many were bawling after what they had witnessed. Announcements were later made for the people to leave the stadium as the match was suspended.
For you #47 💛 pic.twitter.com/lHISF8q7Bv
— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) November 4, 2023
On October 29, 2023, the Panthers said in a statement, “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.”
Tributes have been pouring in since then for Johnson from the other ice hockey teams and people beyond the sport as well.
South Yorkshire Police are conducting a thorough investigation into Adam Johnson’s death
According to the BBC, South Yorkshire Police will be thoroughly investigating the incident that led to Johnson’s death. A spokesperson said: “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 specialized experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.”
The spokesperson further stated that “it is standard practice” for such an investigation to take place after a sudden death. The investigation is set to “take some time.”
JUST IN: South Yorkshire Police have issued an update in their investigation into the death of hockey star Adam Johnson who died after a skate slashed his neck
Yesterday, the police said they would be investigating Johnson’s death saying it was “normal procedure”
Today, the… pic.twitter.com/BoBiz1o13e
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 31, 2023
Meanwhile, there are several speculations going around on social media where people have called it more than an accident. However, the police have asked to refrain from such debates.
“We continue to encourage the public to avoid speculation, including on social media, while we continue our inquiries and will provide updates when appropriate.”
After Johnson’s fatal neck injury, EIHA made neck guards mandatory for each player from next year
After ice hockey players turn 18, in the UK, they are allowed to play without neck guards. According to BBC, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) said it was “devastated by the loss of Adam’s life”.
A spokesperson said: “All clubs continue to follow the existing guidance from the International Ice Hockey Federation, that the use of a BNQ or other ISO Standard neck laceration protector is recommended.
“The Elite Ice Hockey League strongly encourages players and officials to wear one and clubs and the league will continue to support players and officials to do so.”
The English Ice Hockey Association says it will be mandatory to wear a neck guard during “all on-ice activities” from 2024 onwards.#Johnson died after suffering a serious cut to his neck from a skate during Saturday’s Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers. pic.twitter.com/dW0e7T9NHg
— C Voice (@Icebird6666) October 30, 2023
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), on the other hand, said neck guards are not immediately mandatory because of “anticipated supply issues”. However, it will be made mandatory in the ice activities it oversees from January 1, 2024.
It should be noted that the EIHA making neck guards mandatory from 2024 onwards does not make it mandatory for the EIHL as the EIHL is not under EIHA’s control.