The police are currently investigating the “freak accident” that claimed the life of ice hockey player Adam Johnson. In a touching tribute, his fiancee referred to him as “my sweet angel.”
In the wake of this tragic incident on Saturday night, the NIHL team Oxford City Stars, which includes former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, has mandated that all players must wear neck guards while on the ice.
The 29-year-old Johnson was participating in a Challenge Cup match for the Nottingham Panthers at the Sheffield Steelers’ arena when he reportedly sustained a neck injury following a collision. The crowd of 8,000 spectators watched in shock as frantic efforts were made to save the American player’s life.
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. pic.twitter.com/lhSOkDu03Q
— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) October 29, 2023
The Nottingham Panthers termed the event a “freak accident” when the club confirmed his passing on Sunday.
A spokesperson from South Yorkshire Police stated: “We received a call at 8.25pm on Saturday 28 October regarding a player who had sustained serious injuries during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers match at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
“Officers promptly arrived at the scene alongside other emergency services, and a man in his 20s was transported to the hospital with severe injuries.
“Regrettably, he was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
“Our officers remain at the scene, conducting inquiries, and our investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.
“We urge the public to refrain from speculating about the incident while our inquiries continue.”
The health and safety team of Sheffield City Council was providing assistance to the police.
Meanwhile, the player’s fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, paid tribute on Instagram, saying: “My sweet angel, I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
Player Safety First 🤝
Neck Guards Mandatory ✅️
Read more below 👇https://t.co/SPCbtmeIWY
Let’s stand together 🏒⭐️ pic.twitter.com/D87C8slMvg
— Oxford City Stars 🏒⭐️ (@OxfordCityStars) October 30, 2023
After the tragic incident, Oxford City Stars, who compete in the National Ice Hockey League South Division 1, have introduced mandatory neck guards for both players and coaches.
Shane Moore, the director of hockey operations, emphasized the paramount importance of safety. He stated, “A life has tragically been taken too soon in a freak accident, and if wearing neck guards can prevent another devastating loss, then we want to ensure we have done everything within our power to protect our players.”
In Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, fans gathered to pay their respects, leaving behind flowers and cards. Among them was Steelers fan Gary Hibbert, who shared his sentiments, saying, “I have come to pay my respects. It is heart-breaking. My kids absolutely love ice hockey and they have both been absolutely heart-broken after Saturday’s game, as we all are.”
Recalling the incident in which Minnesota-born Johnson was injured, he said, “My initial thought was he had a stick to the face, as it happens. Within two, three, four seconds we have seen the pool of blood.” Hibbert recounted that Johnson briefly skated off after the collision before collapsing.
He went on to describe how he shielded his son from the unfolding tragedy on the ice.
Simon Robertson spoke highly of Johnson, referring to him as a “magnificent” player who had competed in both the US and Europe before arriving in Nottingham. “He was a hell of a good player, committed and really good at what he did,” he remarked. “It is going to affect a lot of people, you can see from all the flowers. It’s a community, it’s a family.”
Robertson also highlighted the rivalry and camaraderie between the Panthers and Steelers, acknowledging them as two top teams and close neighbours. “At times like this we come together and are friends,” he added.
His daughter Hollie Robertson chimed in, stating, “He was an amazing player who really brought something to the team.”
Further tributes were left at Sheffield’s area, including one card that read, “To a young man who came to Sheffield on a Saturday night to do his job and play for his team, left the arena fighting for his life, and didn’t return home with his team mates RIP Adam Johnson #47.”
Forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/oGkbtjANPN
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) October 30, 2023
The Ontario Reign honoured their former player ahead of the club’s American Hockey League match against the Abbotsford Canucks this Sunday. Johnson’s name was announced to the crowd as his number 49 jersey was respectfully positioned on a seat at the centre of the ice.
In a touching gesture, every Ontario player made contact with the jersey.
