Tributes were being paid today (sun) to ice hockey star Adam Johnson who died following a ‘freak accident’ during a match last night.<br /><br />The Nottingham Panthers athlete, aged 29, is believed to have died after his throat was accidentally slashed by a skate blade during a collision on the ice rink last night (sat).<br /><br />He was rushed to hospital where he later died.<br /><br />Shocking footage posted on social media showed the sportsman being helped up off the ice following the clash with blood staining his shirt.<br /><br />The Panthers released a statement following his fatal injury during a game with the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena in the city.<br /><br />Tributes have now begun pouring in for the athlete – beginning with his club, who are ‘truly devastated’ by the news.<br /><br />The club said: “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,” said the Panthers.<br /><br />“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.<br /><br />“Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who were attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news.<br /><br />“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />“The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.”<br /><br />Around 8,000 spectators witnessed the accident, before the game was stopped and screens erected to protect players’ privacy.<br /><br />Fans who attended the game have begun sharing their shellshocked tributes online.<br /><br />One fan posted to Facebook, “Last night, we were in the arena and witnessed the horrific accident on the ice.<br /><br />“When we were all finally told to leave, my legs were shaking and about to give. I was hyperventilating – everything was a blur.<br /><br />“My thoughts are with Adam Johnson, his family and the Nottingham Panthers.”<br /><br />Another spectator said, “I wouldn’t wish what we witnessed last night, and what Adam Johnson’s family, friends and colleagues must be going through right now, upon my worst enemy.<br /><br />“All of the Steelers and Panthers acted so quickly, most of all, our Steelers doctor, who was on that ice within a matter of seconds.<br /><br />“It was a tragic accident. Rest in paradise Adam Johnson, number 47.”<br /><br />A third said: “My 17-year-old has come home in bits, he said he can't un-see what he's seen tonight. He's white as a sheet. My thoughts and prayers are with the teams involved.”<br /><br />The Elite Ice Hockey League have since postponed today’s scheduled games out of respect.<br /><br />A statement from the Elite Ice Hockey League reads: “In light of this deeply upsetting news, the Elite League has postponed all games scheduled to take place on Sunday 29 October 2023.<br /><br />“The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. <br /><br />“We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam’s family at this time.”<br /><br />South Yorkshire Police have also released a public statement, adding: “We were called at 8.25pm yesterday (28 October) to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries today (29 October) and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.”
