On Saturday, former NHL player Adam Johnson was killed in a “freak accident” on the ice in the UK, prompting fans to flee the arena.
He had just turned 29.
Johnson, a forward for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), collided with a Sheffield Steelers player in the middle of the ice during the second period of their game.
The injury is believed to have been caused by a skate blade to Johnson’s neck, according to the BBC.
Johnson attempted to skate back to the Panthers’ bench before he was stopped by officials and his teammates who signaled for help, the disturbing clip showed.
The players reportedly created a protective circle around Johnson and used screens to keep him hidden from bystanders on the way to the hospital.
After the tragedy, the team reported Johnson had passed away the following morning.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him,” the Panthers said in a statement. “The Club will dearly miss him and will never forget him.”
Officials stopped the game and the Panthers said players had returned to the locker rooms.
Roughly 8,000 people at Utilita Arena Sheffield were “asked to leave the building due to a major medical emergency,” the Panthers announced on X.
“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,” the team added. “Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.
“Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news.”
The EIHL postponed all games on Sunday following Johnson’s death.
Johnson, a native of Minnesota, played for the Penguins for two years (2018-2020).
He spent 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring once and dishing out four assists.
Later, he signed on to play professionally in Europe after spending time with the minor league clubs of the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.
Johnson was playing his first season with the central England Panthers.
When Johnson first joined the Nottingham squad in August, head coach Jonathan Paredes hailed him as a “perfect fit.”
“Nottingham looks like a great spot,” Johnson said at the time. “I have heard great things and I really like the look of the rink. It sounds like the club want to play fast and offensive, so it should be a fun style of hockey and I am looking forward to it.”
