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Police investigate ice hockey player’s death as fiancé pays tribute
His fiancé wrote a heartfelt message in tribute to him
Police are investigating the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson after he was fatally injured during a match.
The Nottingham Panthers’ star was cut on the neck by the blade of a skate in a game against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday.
The match was called off and fans were asked to leave the Utilita Arena, in Sheffield, due to a ‘medical emergency’ as Johnson, 29, was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
His fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, said in a tribute to him: “I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
South Yorkshire Police said it was ‘normal procedure’ to open an investigation after an incident had been reported, which is currently ‘ongoing’.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
“Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.
“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries today (October 29th) and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.”
Since the tragic incident, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has issued safety advice to all members regarding the use of neck guards.
Oxford City Stars, who play in South Division 1 of the National Ice Hockey League, have also now made neck guards a mandatory requirement for players and coaches. It is understood Johnson was not wearing a neck guard.
The EIHA said that it is ‘unacceptable’ for any player to lose their life while playing ice hockey. And with ‘immediate effect’ it also issued a ‘strong recommendation’ that all players at all levels across English ice hockey use an approved neck guard.
The safety advice will then become a ‘mandatory requirement’ from the start of 2024.
The EIHL said on Monday evening that all games due to tackle place on Tuesday and Wednesday would be postponed but that matches would return for the weekend, except the Panthers and the Steelers.
In a statement on October 30th it said: “Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers will not return to the ice this weekend and we would continue to ask everyone to support these clubs through what is an intensely difficult time.”
Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to Johnson by fans and players across the UK and back in his hometown in Minnesota, in the US.
Players met to speak with fans outside Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Sunday – home of the Nottingham Panthers – as people laid flowers and messages for Johnson and his family.