The derby between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers was shocked by a tragic incident in the 35th minute. Adam Johnson was hit by an opponent’s skate in the neck and immediately bled a lot. The injury was so serious that the match was stopped without hesitation. The man was given first aid on the ice, but unfortunately it didn’t work. Any help came too late for Johnson. He died several hours later from his injuries in hospital.

“We are devastated,” said his team. “The club will miss Adam very much. We will never forget it. Adam, our number 47, is not only a great hockey player, but also a great teammate and a very grateful person. He still had his whole life ahead of him. We would like to convey our thoughts and message of support to Adam’s family, his partner and all his friends at this very difficult time.”

The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) has confirmed that Sunday’s game in England has been postponed in memory of Johnson.

Johnson began his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, an NHL team from the American state of Pennsylvania. He ended his college career in early 2017 to start as a full professional with the Penguins. He made thirteen appearances for the team. When the NHL came to a halt in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, he turned to the Malmö Redhawks of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He ended his contract there after just 21 games. Through wanderings in the US and Canada, Johnson ended up at Germany’s Augsburger Panthers, who he could not rescue from a relegation spot. In August of this year he signed with the Nottingham Panthers, of England’s EIHL, where he played seven games.