American hockey player Adam Johnson, who made appearances in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, tragically passed away at the age of 29. This devastating incident occurred when his neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England on Saturday, as confirmed by his team.

Johnson was actively playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers. It was during the second period of this Elite Ice Hockey League game, hosted at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, that he sustained the fateful injury.

“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 team said 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.”

Hailing from Minnesota, Johnson contributed to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, featuring in 13 games during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Following this stint, he played the 2020-21 season with the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden, tallying a goal and three assists during his time with the Penguins.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the life of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the Penguins said Sunday in a statement. “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 part of the Penguins family.”

During his college hockey tenure at Minnesota-Duluth, Johnson emerged as a key figure in leading the Bulldogs to two NCAA Tournaments. One of his standout moments was scoring a game-winning overtime goal in the 2017 tournament, a victory that propelled Minnesota-Duluth beyond Boston University and into the prestigious Frozen Four.

In addition to his collegiate achievements, Johnson also showcased his talents in the American Hockey League, representing three different clubs throughout his career. In the 2022-23 season, he took to the ice with Germany's Augsburger Panther before committing to Nottingham for the current season.

“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 team added.

“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.”

The league announced that all three games scheduled for Sunday in Belfast, Fife and Guildford were postponed following Johnson’s death. Nottingham’s game scheduled for Tuesday also was postponed.

Ian Laperriere, who coached Johnson with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, said it was tough news.

“Great kid (and) teammate,” Laperriere said in a text message. “Only great things to say about him.”

The NHL has witnessed its share of skate cut incidents over the years, with one of the most memorable involving Buffalo goaltender Clint Malarchuk. On March 22, 1989, during a game against St. Louis, Malarchuk suffered a blade to the neck. Thanks to swift and effective medical attention, Malarchuk was back on the ice playing again just 10 days later.