Saturday night’s tragic incident that resulted in the untimely death of Adam Johnson, a professional player for the Nottingham Panthers in Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League, has sent shockwaves through the sports world. The incident has triggered a thorough investigation by UK police and prompted a review of safety regulations within the sport. One particular area under scrutiny is whether neck guards should be made mandatory for players. The repercussions of this incident will be felt for weeks, possibly even years. But what exactly happened, and what comes next?
The incident occurred during a Challenge Cup match at the Sheffield Arena on October 28. Johnson, 29, was accidentally cut in the neck by the skate of opposing player Matt Petgrave, 31, from the Sheffield Steelers. The collision took place in the 35th minute of the game, witnessed by approximately 8,000 spectators. Johnson initially stood up but soon collapsed again after bleeding profusely onto the ice. His fellow players rushed to his aid, using towels, gloves, and their hands to try to stop the bleeding. Immediate medical attention was provided, including CPR performed on the ice until an ambulance arrived. Despite these efforts, Johnson sadly passed away at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. His fiancee, Ryan Wolfe, was also present at the hospital and expressed her sorrow on Instagram.
Johnson had only recently arrived in England after playing for various teams around the world. His aunt, Kari Johnson, and his father, Davey, watched the incident unfold via a livestream of the game and described it as traumatic. Kari Johnson revealed that Adam’s windpipe and carotid artery were severed, causing him to lose an alarming amount of blood. Unfortunately, the bleeding could not be stopped during surgery at the hospital.
Different opinions have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death. The Nottingham Panthers described it as a “freak accident” and expressed their devastation. However, there have been claims on social media suggesting that Petgrave intentionally kicked Johnson. Panthers player Victor Bjorkung defended Petgrave, stating that the incident was unimaginable and that he did not blame Petgrave for what happened. Another teammate, Westin Michaud, echoed Bjorkung’s support. However, Kari Johnson and two former Canadian professional players, Sean Avery and Chris Therien, have criticized Petgrave’s actions.
The South Yorkshire Police, responsible for the investigation, stated that it remains ongoing and could take some time. They have been reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses, and seeking the assistance of experts to fully understand the incident. Sheffield City Council’s health and safety department is also working closely with the police. The police have urged the public not to engage in speculation, especially on social media. An inquest is scheduled to take place in the near future to investigate Johnson’s death.
Regarding current regulations, players in the UK can play without neck guards once they turn 18. However, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), which governs the lower levels of the sport, already strongly recommends the use of neck guards. Starting January 1, 2024, neck guards will become mandatory in all EIHA leagues. The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), the highest level of ice hockey in the UK, has yet to comment on whether they will make neck guards mandatory following Johnson’s death. Neck guards are already compulsory in Scottish Ice Hockey, Ice Hockey UK, and several other countries.
Medical provisions at Elite Ice Hockey League matches include the presence of a qualified team doctor at every match. However, there are no ambulances on site for matches in this division. The requirements for medical professionals on the bench differ for EIHA matches below the top division. St John Ambulance, a UK first aid charity, does not cover ice hockey matches. The specific medical regulations of the EIHL and its potential policy changes are yet to be addressed.
While incidents like the one that resulted in Johnson’s death are rare, they have occurred in the past. Tragically, similar accidents have claimed the lives of other players, including Teddy Balkind in the US and Timur Faizutdinov in Russia. Bengt Akerblom, a Swedish professional player, also lost his life due to a skate cutting his throat.
The aftermath of this devastating incident will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months as investigations proceed and discussions around safety measures intensify. Johnson’s death has sent shockwaves through the ice hockey community and has prompted a critical examination of player safety in the sport. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the potential dangers professional athletes face on the ice.
