ESPN
ESPN Writer
2 Minute Read
Former NHL player Adam Johnson tragically passed away at the age of 29 due to a “freak accident” during a game with his English team on Saturday.
The Nottingham Panthers, a team in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), expressed their heartbreak over Adam’s passing in an announcement on Sunday.
During the second period of the Panthers’ game against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday, officials halted the game following a collision on the ice involving Johnson. Immediate medical attention was provided on the ice, and the players eventually returned to the locker room once Johnson was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.
Due to what the Panthers described as a “major medical emergency,” the approximately 8,000 fans in Sheffield’s Utilita Arena were asked to vacate the premises.
Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire
The Panthers released a statement expressing their deep sorrow and extending their condolences to Adam’s family, friends, fans, and staff. They also thanked everyone who provided support during this difficult time.
The EIHL announced the postponement of all Sunday’s games as a tribute to Adam and to allow time for mourning.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom Johnson played 13 games between 2018 and 2020, expressed their grief and offered condolences to his loved ones and teammates. The Penguins honored Johnson as a part of their hockey family, recognizing his achievement of playing in the National Hockey League.
Johnson, originally from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, started his overseas career in 2020 after playing for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. His time with the Nottingham Panthers was cut tragically short during his first season with the team.
