The world of ice hockey is mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, a former NHL player who died on Saturday after his throat was slashed by a skate blade during a game in England. Police have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident.
What happened to Adam Johnson?
Adam Johnson was a 29-year-old American ice hockey player who played for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in England. He had previously played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL) and scored his only NHL goal against the Minnesota Wild in 2019.
On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Johnson was playing for the Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. During the second period of the game, he collided with a Steelers player, Matt Petgrave, and fell to the ice. Petgrave’s skate blade accidentally cut Johnson’s neck, causing a severe injury.
Johnson was immediately attended by paramedics on the ice, while players from both teams formed a circle around him. The spectators were asked to leave the arena and the game was suspended. Johnson was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
How are the police investigating the incident?
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said they were called to the scene at 8.25 pm on Saturday and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. They said it was standard practice to investigate any unexpected and sudden death and report their findings to the coroner.
On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, SYP announced that they had arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to Johnson’s death. They did not name the suspect, but said he was from Sheffield and had been released on bail pending further enquiries.
SYP said the investigation was complex and unprecedented, and asked the public to avoid speculation while they continued their enquiries. They also said they were working closely with the EIHL, the Utilita Arena, and the Sheffield City Council to gather evidence and information.
How are the ice hockey community and fans reacting to the tragedy?
The death of Adam Johnson has shocked and saddened the ice hockey community and fans around the world. Tributes have poured in from his family, friends, teammates, former clubs, and rivals.
Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, posted on her Instagram story: “My sweet sweet angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.” His former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, paid tribute to him before and during their game on Monday against the Anaheim Ducks. Fans at the PPG Paints Arena were invited to stand and cheer while players from both teams gathered at the center ice circle before the game in memory of Johnson.
The Nottingham Panthers said Johnson was a “wonderful person and a great teammate” who had a “bright future ahead of him”. They said they were devastated by his loss and offered their condolences to his family and loved ones. Fans have been leaving flowers outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, where the Panthers play.
The Sheffield Steelers said they were “heartbroken” by the news and expressed their sympathy and support to Johnson’s family, friends, and the Panthers organization. They said Petgrave, who was involved in the collision, was “distraught” and had been receiving counseling and support. They also said they had been cooperating with the police and the EIHL in the investigation.
The EIHL said it was “deeply saddened” by Johnson’s death and described him as a “talented and popular player”. They said they had suspended all games on Sunday and Monday out of respect for Johnson and his family. They also said they had been in contact with the police, the arena, and the teams to assist with the investigation.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) said it was “shocked and saddened” by Johnson’s death and extended its condolences to his family, friends, and the ice hockey community. They said Johnson was a “skilled and passionate player” who had represented the USA at the 2017 IIHF World Championship.
Many other ice hockey players, teams, leagues, and fans have also expressed their grief and solidarity on social media and other platforms. They have praised Johnson’s skills, character, and achievements, and remembered him as a “great guy”, a “wonderful human being”, and a “true professional”.
