Adam Johnson's fiancé has paid tribute to the American hockey star who died following a freak accident during a match on Saturday night.
The 29-year-old Nottingham Panthers star reportedly suffered a slashed neck during the second period of the Challenge Cup match with Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. He slit his throat on an opponent's skate mid-collision before collapsing on the ice.
He was given emergency medical treatment but sadly died. The game, which was attended by some 8,000 ice hockey fans, was quickly abandoned and the arena was evacuated.
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Adam's fiancé, Ryan Wolfe, has since taken to Instagram to pay tribute to the star. Sharing a black and white photo of Adam to her story, she wrote: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."
Minnesota-born Adam and Ryan lived together in England and had only gotten engaged this summer, his former college teammate Riley Tufte told The Athletic. Ryan was in the crowd during the match and ran onto the ice following the incident before praying for Adam, it was claimed in The Sun.
Nottingham Panthers said on Sunday morning: “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. 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. 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."
Sunday’s three Elite League games in Belfast, Fife and Guildford was postponed following the shocking tragedy, while Nottingham later confirmed via X, formerly Twitter, that Tuesday’s home contest against the Glasgow Clan had also been postponed.
Adam played for Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks. The Penguins said in a statement: “The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon.
“We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was our honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.”
The NHL also passed on its condolences. A statement said: “The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson. Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates.”
Adam went on to play in the American Hockey League for the Ontario Reign and in Germany for the Augsburger Panther before agreeing to join Nottingham for the 2023-24 campaign. A statement from the Elite Ice Hockey League read: “The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers.
“In light of this deeply upsetting news, the Elite League has postponed all games scheduled to take place on Sunday October 29, 2023. The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”
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Sheffield said in their own statement: “Everyone at the Steelers send their condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family & teammates.”
Meanwhile Adam's mother Kari Johnson confirmed the news in an emotional statement on Facebook. Alongside two pictures of herself with Adam, she wrote: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always Munch".
