Former NHL player Adam Johnson dies after ‘freak accident’ during game in England

The hockey world was rocked on Sunday by the news that former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson died at age 29 from complications following a cut on the blade of a skate, which the team described as a “freak accident.”

The accident occurred on Saturday at the Utilita Arena Sheffield during an EIHL game between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers. More than 8,000 fans were asked to leave the arena during Johnson’s medical emergency.

Nottingham Panthers confirmed the news on Sunday, saying that “everyone at the club, including players, staff, management and owners, are heartbroken by the news of Adam’s passing.”

The EIHL postponed all Sunday games following Johnson’s death. BBC reporter Sarah Hawley reports that fans and teammates gathered on Sunday to mourn his passing.

Between 2018-19 and 2019-20, Johnson played in 13 games with the Penguins, scoring one goal and four points. The Penguins paid tribute to Johnson on Sunday, mourning a life that ended too soon, but adding, “It was an honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.”

Many reacted to the heartbreaking news by sharing footage of Johnson’s first and only NHL goal.

Johnson’s former Penguins teammate Brett Sutter remembered him not only for being a “great teammate and person” but also for his dry sense of humor.

Penguins sportscaster Seth Rorabaugh shared some of Johnson’s wit, as he came from the same area of ​​Minnesota as Bob Dylan, Kevin McHale and Roger Maris.

The NHL also released a statement in his memory.

“The National Hockey League family mourns the loss of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates.”

He has received honors from many corners of the hockey world, including from the AHL, where he played for a long time before continuing his career overseas.

Johnson is the second player in the last two years to die from a cut on a skate blade. Teddy Balkind, a 16-year-old high school hockey player in Connecticut, died in January 2022 after his neck was slit during a game. No NHL player has ever died from a cut on a skate, but there have been many horror cases, most notably Buffalo Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk in 1989 and Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik in 2008.