An English ice hockey team have made neck guards mandatory for all of their players and coaches following Adam Johnson’s tragic death at the age of 29 on Saturday.
Nottingham Panthers star Johnson’s throat was cut by an opponent’s skate blade when they collided during a match against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday.
His injury was so horrific it forced the game to be abandoned and left traumatised fans in tears.
The shocking incident has sparked calls for the introduction of mandatory neck guards in ice hockey.
Oxford City Stars, who play in the National Ice Hockey League South Division 1 and who have former Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on their roster, announced on Monday that they would make neck guards mandatory in response to the tragic accident.
Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson died following a ‘freak accident’ during a match against Sheffield Steelers
Johnson (pictured) suffered a horrific injury in a freak accident during a game on Saturday
The American athlete is believed to have been stuck in the neck by an ice hockey blade. Pictured: Moments before the tragedy
Oxford City Stars announced on Monday that they were making neck guards mandatory in response to the tragic accident
Adam Johnson’s fiancee Ryan Wolfe posted a picture of them at a family wedding in June 2022 captioned with: ‘I’ll miss you forever and love you always’
‘These guards will be a non-negotiable component of their attire during all practices and games, providing an extra layer of protection,’ the club said in a statement.
‘In a poignant tribute to Adam Johnson’s memory, this commitment signifies not only a significant moment for the Oxford City Stars but also a cornerstone in advocating for enhanced safety standards across the sport.
‘We encourage other clubs to also offer these neck guards to their players. At our level of play, we strongly believe that these guards should be worn by all players.’
Oxford City Stars’ director of hockey operations Shane Moore said: ‘This decision reinforces our dedication to player safety.
‘We want to ensure that every possible measure is taken to protect our athletes while they are doing what they love.
‘Safety must be a fundamental aspect of our actions, and we are grateful to all our players and coaching staff for their support in moving this initiative forward. We hope to serve as positive role models for both current and future players, showcasing that safety should always be the top priority.
‘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.’
The top ice hockey league in Germany is also considering introducing a rule to make neck guards mandatory.
Deutsche Eishockey Liga match operations manager Jorg van Ameln told German newspaper Bild: ‘At our meeting of the clubs’ sporting directors on November 27th, we will talk about the planned introduction of a neck brace for the new season.
‘This is mandatory in Finland and Sweden.’
Players are not currently forced to wear neck guards in several major leagues.
Tributes have poured in for Minnesota-born Johnson following his shock death. His girlfriend Ryan Wolfe has paid tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of him and saying: ‘My sweet, sweet angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.’
‘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,’ his club said in a statement.
Johnson (pictured) is believed to have taken an ice hockey blade to the neck during the match
The incident happened at Utilita Arena Sheffield (pictured) and is believed to have been witnessed by around 8,000 fans
His club said they were ‘truly devastated’ by the news – paying tribute to ‘a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him’
The Elite Ice Hockey League said they were ‘heartbroken’ to confirm the ‘deeply upsetting’ news – and postponed all games scheduled for Sunday
‘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.’
They added that their thoughts were not just with those closest to the athlete – but the fans and staff who saw the incident.
The club also thanked the people who rushed to try and save him amid the horror incident.
They continued: ‘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.
One witness told MailOnline that Johnson tried to skate back to his team after the injury to his throat but collapsed before he made it, prompting panicked scenes as players and medics rushed out to help the stricken star.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were called at around 8.21pm before sending two ambulances and a critical care paramedic – with one man taken to hospital.
South Yorkshire Police were contacted four minutes later, and confirmed he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.
Officers from the force remain at the scene and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Elite Ice Hockey League said they were ‘heartbroken’ to confirm the ‘deeply upsetting’ news before they postponed all matches that had been due to take place on Sunday.
Ice Hockey UK, the governing body for the sport in the country, said: ‘Ice Hockey UK would like to send our thoughts and condolences to the family, friends and team-mates of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson who passed away last night.
‘The hockey family stands together with his family – and with each other – at this difficult time.’
Johnson previously made 13 appearances for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League before moving to the Swedish Hockey League ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Ice Hockey UK added that the hockey family ‘stands together’ as they grieve Mr Johnson
The freak accident appeared to have been caused by a Sheffield Steelers’ player as he tried to tackle another one of Johnson’s teammates
He then played for Ontario Reign and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League and also had a spell with Augsburger Panther in Germany.
Johnson signed for the Nottingham Panthers in August
Johnson’s former club the Pittsburgh Penguins said: ‘Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was our honour to watch him fulfil his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.’
The NHL also paid tribute to the 29-year-old. ‘Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, friends and team-mates,’ they said.
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