Adam Johnson: How American hockey player died in England after skate neck injury

American ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who made appearances in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, tragically passed away following a harrowing incident in an English game. The incident occurred on a Saturday, and he was 29 years old at the time.

Johnson was actively playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers when he suffered a severe neck injury from a skate blade during the second period of the Elite Ice Hockey League game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

In an official statement on Sunday, the Nottingham Panthers expressed their deep sorrow: “The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night. The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time. Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management, and ownership, are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.”

A native of Minnesota, Johnson had previously played 13 games during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks. He contributed with a goal and three assists during his time with the Penguins.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, in a statement released on Sunday, joined the entire hockey community in mourning Adam Johnson’s untimely passing: “The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the life of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon. We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be part of the Penguins family.”

Johnson’s college hockey career at Minnesota-Duluth was notable, helping the Bulldogs reach two NCAA Tournaments and scoring an overtime game-winner in the 2017 tournament, securing their place in the Frozen Four by defeating Boston University.

Throughout his career, Johnson also played for three American Hockey League teams and in Germany with the Augsburger Panther in the 2022-23 season before joining Nottingham for the 2023 season.

The league announced the postponement of all three games scheduled for Sunday in Belfast, Fife, and Guildford following Johnson’s tragic death. Nottingham’s game, which was originally planned for Tuesday, was also postponed.

Ian Laperriere, who coached Johnson during his time with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, paid his respects, stating, “Great kid (and) teammate. Only great things to say about him.”

The NHL has had its share of skate cut scares in its history, with one of the most notable incidents involving Buffalo goaltender Clint Malarchuk, who suffered a blade injury to the neck during a game against St. Louis on March 22, 1989. Malarchuk received immediate medical attention and remarkably returned to play just 10 days later.