A tragic incident on the ice during a hockey game has left the sports world in shock. The video captures the moment when hockey player Adam Johnson suffered a highly unusual and ultimately fatal injury while playing. The Associated Press reported that Johnson, a U.S.-born player, had his neck cut by a skate blade in a freak accident during a game.
The video, which you can watch below, depicts the collision that led to the injury. It is a disturbing sight due to the moment it captures, although it is not graphic in nature since it shows the incident from a distance.
The incident occurred during a game on October 28, 2023, when Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers. The video shows Johnson colliding with another player, after which he initially attempts to rise but tragically collapses back onto the ice.
The Nottingham Panthers, Johnson’s team, released a statement announcing his tragic passing resulting from the “freak accident.” In their statement, the team expressed their deep sadness and offered condolences to Johnson’s family, partner, and friends. They hailed Johnson as an “outstanding ice hockey player.”
Former coach Ian Laperriere spoke highly of Johnson, describing him as a “great kid and teammate” to the AP.
Following the injury, fans were asked to leave the building due to what was termed a “major medical emergency.” The game was halted, and players returned to their locker rooms, as reported by the team.
The Nottingham Panthers compete in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League, one of the country’s top leagues.
In a news release, the National Hockey League (NHL) expressed its condolences and mourned the loss of Adam Johnson, a former Pittsburgh Penguin player. The NHL extended their deepest sympathies to Johnson’s family, friends, and teammates.
According to Johnson’s biography on the Nottingham Panthers’ website, he was born in Minnesota. He was a highly experienced forward who had played in some of the world’s best leagues, including the NHL.
Johnson began his professional career with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League during the 2017-18 season. Over his time with the Pennsylvania-based team, he contributed significantly to both regular season and playoff action.
He later played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring important goals during his tenure. Johnson also had stints in Sweden’s top-level SHL and the AHL before spending a season in Germany’s DEL with Augsburger Panther.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that athletes in contact sports face and the importance of safety in such competitions. Johnson’s passing is a somber moment for the hockey community, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered by all who knew him.
