Former NHL Player Killed in 'Freak' Ice Skate Accident During UK Game

Former NHL player Adam Johnson has died after receiving a cut to his neck from a skate during a Challenge Cup match in the U.K.

Johnson, 29, from Minnesota, required emergency treatment on the ice from paramedics during the Nottingham Panthers match on Saturday against the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), according to the BBC.

The estimated 8,000 fans who were in attendance were asked to leave the arena due to a medical emergency, according to the broadcaster.

A Panthers spokesperson confirmed Johnson, who joined the team in August, had died as a result of the injury he sustained at Sheffield's Utilita Arena in northern England.

"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 statement read.

"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. We ask that the privacy of Adam's family and friends, and everyone at the club, is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief. Rest in peace, Adam."

Following Johnson's death, the EIHL confirmed all its games scheduled to take place on Sunday would be postponed.

"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. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam's family at this time," the EIHL statement said.

Newsweek has contacted the EIHL for comment via email.

Johnson previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL before moving overseas, where he featured for several teams in Europe.

He played in the Swedish Hockey League's Malmö Redhawks and also had a spell with the German team Augsburger Panther. Both sides paid tributes to Johnson after they learned of his death.

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