Former Penguins player Adam Johnson dies after ‘freak’ on-ice accident in English league

The Penguins and the rest of the hockey world are mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, who died following a “freak” on-ice accident in a game Saturday.

Johnson, who spent three years with the Penguins organization, was sliced by a skate in the neck while playing a game in Sheffield, England, for Nottingham of the Elite Ice Hockey League. He immediately suffered significant blood loss and was reportedly hospitalized before succumbing to the injury overnight.

The scene on the ice was so awful, fans were asked to leave the arena due to “a major medical emergency” as team trainers rushed to tend to Johnson.

The Nottingham Panthers announced Sunday that Johnson, 29, had died.

“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 team said in a statement. “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. 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.”

Johnson was from Hibbing, Minn., sharing a hometown with Bob Dylan and Kevin McHale. In 2017, the forward signed with the Penguins as an undrafted free agent after playing collegiately at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

He most played in the minor leagues during his time with the Pittsburgh organization. In 13 games at the NHL level, Johnson had a goal and three assists.

That goal, his only one as an NHLer, came in 2019 back in his home state with friends and family in the crowd. Skating at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., he slammed a rebound past Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk.

Adam Johnson tallies his first NHL goal to double the Penguins lead!#LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/NCJxW7zFHA

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 13, 2019

Johnson spent time with the Los Angeles and Philadelphia organizations before heading overseas to play in Germany and then England with the Nottingham Panthers. He had seven points in seven games before his tragic passing.

“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 team stated. “The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.”

The Penguins also issued a statement after Johnson’s death was confirmed.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the statement read. “We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches.

“Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was our honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.”

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