Match between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers was stopped as Adam Johnson was handled on the ice earlier than being taken to hospital; followers on the Sheffield Arena had been requested to depart; Elite Ice Hockey League cancelled all video games on Sunday

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Tributes have been paid to Nottingham Panthers participant Adam Johnson who handed away aged 29.

Tributes have been paid to ice hockey participant Adam Johnson, who died in hospital following “a freak accident” throughout a match on Saturday.

The 29-year-old American reportedly suffered a slashed neck through the second interval of the sport at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

The sport was stopped as Johnson acquired therapy on the ice, with gamers forming a hoop round him earlier than protecting screens had been put up. The gamers returned to the locker rooms earlier than the 8,000-strong crowd made their means out of the Sheffield Arena.

Johnson was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital however couldn’t be saved.

Panthers mentioned: “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 membership will dearly miss him and can by no means ever neglect him.

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AHL Ice Hockey staff Ontario Reign pay tribute to their former participant Adam Johnson who died throughout a match for the Nottingham Panthers within the UK on the weekend.

“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great team-mate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.

“The Panthers want to ship our ideas and condolences to Adam’s household, his companion, and all his mates at this extraordinarily troublesome time.

“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.”

Following the tragic incident all of Sunday’s Elite Ice Hockey League matches had been postponed.

The Elite Ice Hockey League mentioned: “The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.

“The ideas and condolences of everybody related with the EIHL are with Adam’s household, mates and staff mates at this extremely unhappy and troublesome time. We would additionally ask everybody to respect the privateness of Adam’s household at the moment.”

Barrie Archer, chair of the Elite Ice Hockey Association, said: “The complete EIHA is heartbroken and deeply saddened by Adam’s passing. This is a tragic accident and our ideas and prayers exit to Adam’s household, mates and ice hockey household at this troublesome time.”

Sheffield Wednesday held a minute’s silence at Hillsborough on Sunday ahead of their clash with Rotherham.

Oxford City Stars, who play in South Division 1 of the National Hockey League, have announced they will introduce mandatory neck guards for all players and coaching staff for on-ice activities.

A statement said: “This dedication signifies not solely a major second for the Oxford City Stars but additionally a cornerstone in advocating for enhanced security requirements throughout the game. We encourage different golf equipment to additionally provide these neck guards to their gamers. At our degree of play, we strongly consider that these guards must be worn by all gamers.

Johnson joined the Panthers this summer time to play within the Elite Ice Hockey League which has franchises throughout Great Britain.

During his spell for the Pittsburgh Penguins within the National Hockey League, Johnson scored a objective and 4 factors in 13 video games over the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

He additionally performed for the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden, the Ontario Reign in Canada and Germany’s Augsburger Panther earlier than becoming a member of Nottingham.