Fans said Johnson was a “lovely human being”
By Dan Martin & Sarah Hawley
BBC News
Tributes have been paid to ice hockey player Adam Johnson who died after his neck was cut by a skate during a match.
The 29-year-old Nottingham Panther’s forward was fatally injured in Saturday’s game against the Sheffield Steelers.
The club said Johnson’s injury was a “freak accident”.
His teammates and fans have left flowers outside Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena where the Panthers play their home games.
Johnson’s teammates joined fans in paying their respects at the Motorpoint arena on Sunday
Panthers fans expressed both their grief and disbelief over the player’s death following the abandoned match at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
Lucy Morgan said: “He was not only the player you could see, he was a really nice human as well. He cared about all his team mates and the fans.”
Chloe Wells said she had met Johnson on Friday adding: “He was so nice, a really, really friendly guy.”
Some Steelers fans joined Panthers supporters in Nottingham on Sunday to remember Johnson.
Among them was Julie Whitnum who said: “Normally we are rivals but today we are not. Hockey is just a big family now.”
A minute’s silence was held for the American at the Hillsborough football ground on Sunday when Sheffield Wednesday played Rotherham United.
The club said Johnson was an outstanding hockey player and great teammate
The club confirmed Johnson’s death in a statement on Sunday.
“Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing,” the statement said.
“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 Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.
“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 club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.
“We ask that the privacy of Adam’s family and friends, and everyone at the club is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief.”
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
Related Topics
Related Internet Links
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
