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Adam Johnson was in his first season with the EIHL's Nottingham Panthers. He appeared in 13 games for the Penguins from 2018 to 2020. Jeanine Leech/Icon SportswireFollowing a “freak accident” during his English team’s game on Saturday, former NHL player Adam Johnson passed away. He was 29.
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) team in England, the Nottingham Panthers, declared on Sunday that they are “heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.”
Following a collision on the ice during the second period, officials halted the Panthers’ game against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday. After receiving medical care on the ice, Johnson was transported to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, and players ultimately made their way back to the locker room.
At Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, the Panthers declared a “major medical emergency,” prompting over 8,000 spectators to be evacuated from the venue.
The Panthers released a statement saying, “Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management, and ownership, is heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.” “The supporters and employees of both teams, particularly those who saw or attended the game, are also in our thoughts. They will be crushed by the news that was released today.
The Panthers would want to express their gratitude to everyone who came forward last night in Adam’s most trying situation.
Aside from being a fantastic ice hockey player, Adam, our number 47, was also a fantastic teammate and an amazing person with his entire life ahead of him. The Club will always remember him and will mourn him terribly.
The EIHL declared that all of the games scheduled for Sunday have been postponed.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time,” the league stated.
In portions of two seasons from 2018 to 2020, Johnson played in 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording four assists and one goal. He played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings AHL affiliates in addition to spending three seasons in part with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Penguins’ AHL affiliate.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the Penguins stated in a statement. We extend our sincere sympathies to Adam’s friends and family, as well as to all of his coaches and teammates from the past and present. Adam is a member of the Penguins family for eternity. We had the privilege of witnessing him realize his goal of joining the National Hockey League.
Johnson attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth after being born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He was in his first season with the Panthers and had begun his career overseas in 2020.
Credits: ESPN
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