Adam Johnson tributes paid by Belfast Giants following tragic death of ice hockey player

Adam Johnson died while playing for the Nottingham Panthers on Saturday night

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The Belfast Giants have joined the tributes to Adam Johnson following the tragic death of the Nottingham Panthers player on Saturday night.

Johnson, 29, reportedly suffered a serious slash to his neck from a skate during the Panthers' game against Sheffield Steelers in what has been described as a "freak accident".

The incident happened in the 35th minute of the game with the 29-year-old American player receiving emergency treatment from paramedics on the ice.

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The venue for the game - Sheffield's Utilita Arena - was also evacuated.

The Elite Ice Hockey League announced that all of Sunday's matches have been postponed "in light of this deeply upsetting news".

The Giants said: "Everyone at the Belfast Giants is devastated to hear of the passing of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson following a tragic accident which took place during Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Adam’s family, friends, and teammates, in addition to the wider EIHL community at this sad time.

"As a mark of respect, today’s (Sunday, October 29) game, scheduled to take place vs Dundee Stars at The SSE Arena, Belfast has been postponed until further notice. All tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled date, which will be communicated in due course. If you wish to seek a refund for this event, please contact Ticketmaster.ie at this link: https://bit.ly/TMHelpSSE.

"If you, or someone you know, has been affected by this tragedy, we encourage seeking support and guidance. You can find resources and assistance here: https://bit.ly/NHS-MentalHealthSupport."

Players formed a ring around Johnson before protective screens were raised as the player received medical attention on the ice. He was later taken to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital.

The Panthers said on Sunday: "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 club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.

"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 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."

The Elite Ice Hockey League added: "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 thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam's family, friends and team mates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam's family at this time."

Barrie Archer, chair of the Elite Ice Hockey Association, said: "The entire EIHA is heartbroken and deeply saddened by Adam's passing. This is a tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers go out to Adam's family, friends and ice hockey family at this difficult time."

Johnson joined the Panthers earlier this year having previously featured for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL.

He also played for the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden, the Ontario Reign in Canada and Germany's Augsburger Panther before joining Nottingham.

Football club Sheffield Wednesday said they will observe a minute's silence before Sunday'sChampionship game against Rotherham at Hillsborough.

The club said on X: "Our thoughts are with Adam's family, friends, team-mates and everyone affected by the events of yesterday evening. RIP."

Johnson's former club the Pittsburgh Penguins added: "Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was our honour to watch him fulfil his dream of playing in the National Hockey League."

Former England cricketer Stuart Broad said on X: "Thinking of everyone at The Panthers, Adam’s family & the city of Nottingham."

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