Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old Minnesota native who was playing hockey in a professional league in England, died Saturday following a “freak accident” on the ice. Read the updated story here.
This is a breaking news update. Read the original story below.
Adam Johnson, a hockey star from Hibbing who starred at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, was involved in what team officials are calling a “major medical emergency” during a game in England’s Elite Hockey League on Saturday.
The incident happened midway through the game, prompting players to return to their locker rooms before the game was eventually called and fans were told to leave the arena.
Johnson, who plays for the Nottingham Panthers, was down on the ice after what reporter Peter Spencer described as a “collision in mid-ice” that required paramedics to respond with players and screens put up around Johnson as he was being treated.
Nottingham Panthers player badly hurt after a collision in mid-ice.
Paramedics are now on the ice, players are forming a ring around him and now screens are up around him.
Awful scenes here at Sheffield Arena. The period is ended.
— Peter Spencer (@_PeterSpencer) October 28, 2023
“Our thoughts are with Adam Johnson, his family, friends, and teammates,” UMD Bulldogs hockey said in a statement. “Bulldog Country is sending our best wishes following his injury tonight with the Nottingham Panthers and hoping for a positive update.”
No details about the medical emergency have been released.
Johnson was a Mr. Hockey finalist in 2012-13 in Minnesota and then played the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons before turning pro.
The 29-year-old played in Germany last season and is now in his first season with Nottingham. He played 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins but spent most of his time with the NHL organization with the minor league club in the American Hockey League.
