Former Penguins Player Adam Johnson Passes Away at 29 Following ‘Unexpected Incident’ During Elite Ice Hockey League Match
Former NHL player Adam Johnson has passed away at the age of 29 after a shocking incident during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in England on Saturday. The Nottingham Panthers, Johnson’s team, announced the tragic news on Sunday morning.
Adam Johnson, known as number 47, was not only an exceptional ice hockey player but also a beloved teammate and an incredible person with a bright future ahead of him, according to a statement released by the Panthers. The club expressed their deep sorrow and vowed to always remember him.
Prior to joining the Elite Ice Hockey League, Johnson played for two seasons in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Minnesota-born player also had stints in the American Hockey League, as well as in Sweden and Germany.
In a heartfelt statement, the Pittsburgh Penguins expressed their condolences to Johnson’s family, friends, and all his past and present teammates and coaches. They described Johnson’s untimely death as a tragic loss and stated that he will forever be a part of the Penguins family.
The incident occurred during the second period of Saturday’s game when Johnson suffered a skate blade injury to the neck, leading to a pause in play. While players initially surrounded him on the ice, waiting for protective screens to be installed, it soon became apparent that the situation was grave. Subsequently, both teams were sent to the locker rooms, and fans were asked to leave the arena due to a “major medical emergency.”
Johnson received immediate medical attention on the ice and was subsequently transported to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. Following the incident, the EIHL declared that all games scheduled for Sunday would be postponed.
The EIHL expressed their condolences and sympathies to Johnson’s family, friends, and teammates in a statement and requested that everyone respects the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
