American hockey player dies after getting cut in the neck by a skate in England
Adam Johnson, an American ice hockey player hailing from Minnesota, had played in 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Tragically, he lost his life after his neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England. Adam was 29 years old. He was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a challenge match against the Sheffield Steelers, held at the Sheffield Utilities Arena in the second season of the Elite Ice Hockey League in England.
The Nottingham Panthers announced in a statement on a Monday: "The Nottingham Panthers proudly announce that Adam Johnson has passed away following the tragic incident that occurred in the game against Sheffield last night."
All members of the club, including players, coaching staff, management, and ownership, are deeply affected by the news. The Pittsburgh Penguins also expressed their condolences in a statement on Monday and extended their sympathies to Adam's family, friends, and all his past and present teammates and coaches. Adam Johnson had played in 13 games as a Pittsburgh player in the NHL in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons and later played as a player for the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden in the 2020-21 season. He had scored one goal and assisted on three goals for the Penguins.
The Pittsburgh Penguins stated, "The Pittsburgh Penguins are deeply affected by the passing of Adam Johnson. His life ended tragically at a very young age. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all of his past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins family."
Johnson joined the college hockey team at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and helped elevate the Bulldogs to the NCAA Frozen Four on two occasions. He scored a game-winning goal in overtime during the 2017 NCAA tournament, advancing Minnesota-Duluth to the Frozen Four against Boston University.
Throughout his career, he also played for three American Hockey League (AHL) teams and, in the 2022-23 season, played as a player for the Augsburger Panther in Germany before joining the Nottingham Panthers for the current season. The team added, "Our thoughts also go out to the fans and coaching staff of both teams, especially those who were present at the game or following the game news. They will be deeply affected by this news."
The league announced that all three scheduled games for Monday in Belfast, Fife, and Guildford have been postponed due to the passing of Adam Johnson. The Nottingham game scheduled for Wednesday remains postponed as well. Ian LaPerriere, Johnson's coach in the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL, said, "He was an exceptional kid and teammate. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were there for him in a very challenging situation. Adam, our number 47, was not only a standout ice hockey player but also an excellent teammate and a unique individual throughout his life. He will be remembered by the club, and he will never be forgotten."
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