Former NHL player Adam Johnson dies after 'freak accident' during game in England

Former NHL player Adam Johnson has died after a "freak accident" while playing a game in Britain's ice hockey league, the Nottingham Panthers announced.

The BBC reported that Johnson, 29, had been cut in the neck by a skate during the second period of a game Saturday against the Sheffield Steelers. Players surrounded him on the ice and a protective shield was placed around him as he was treated before being taken to the hospital, the network said. The rest of the game was stopped and fans were sent home.

"Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing," the team said in a statement. "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."

Johnson, who played parts of two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, was in his first season with Nottingham, scoring four goals in seven games.

"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 said. "The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him."

Johnson played two seasons with the University of Minnesota-Duluth and played 13 NHL games with the Penguins during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. He had a goal and three assists.

The Minnesota native scored his lone NHL goal on Oct. 12, 2019, at the Minnesota Wild as part of a two-point night.

Johnson also played in the American Hockey League, Sweden and Germany before signing in England this season.

The Elite Ice Hockey League announced that it had postponed all of Sunday's games.