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A March 29, 2019 photo of Adam Johnson playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
CNN
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American ice hockey player Adam Johnson died in a “freak accident” on the ice while playing for the English team Nottingham Panthers, the team announced.
Johnson appeared to suffer a serious neck injury after colliding with a Sheffield player during the second period of Saturday's Challenge Cup game against Sheffield Steelers.
Nottingham Panthers described the 29-year-old as an “outstanding hockey player” and said the whole club was heartbroken.
“Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson tragically passed away in a tragic accident during last night's game in Sheffield,” the team said in a statement on Sunday.
“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who came out to support Adam last night under the most difficult of circumstances.”
The Panthers posted on social media Saturday that fans were asked to leave the arena in Sheffield “due to a serious medical emergency.” BBC Sport reported that 8,000 spectators attended.
The Panthers, who play in England's top league, the Elite Ice Hockey League, announced that all games scheduled for Sunday have been postponed.
“Saturday's events will be very sad for many of us,” the league said in a statement. “Please take care of yourself and each other.”
Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, forward Johnson began his professional career in the American Hockey League before moving on to the NHL, where he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, appearing in 13 games and scoring four points in two years.
In October 2019, Johnson scored in the Penguins' 7-4 win over the Minnesota Wild.
“The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson. We send our prayers and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates,” the NHL said in a statement. Ta.
Johnson also played in Sweden and Germany before joining the Panthers for the 2023-24 season.
