The death of Minnesota native and former NHL player Adam Johnson after he was cut in the neck by a skate blade during an Oct. 28 game in England continues to have an impact on the team and on leagues around the world.
Johnson’s team, the Nottingham Panthers, said Wednesday that it was withdrawing from the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Challenge Cup. That involves three games.
Meanwhile, Boston Bruins forward Jakub Lauko said he would wear a cut-resistant neck guard because of what happened to Johnson and his own close call. Lauko was cut near the eye by a skate blade last month and returned to practice on Wednesday.
‘It’s too much of a risk,’ he told reporters. ‘When you can put something on the neck, it’s better. It’s the most vulnerable spot on the body. I’m going to start wearing neck guards, wrist guards, too, add some layer of protection to areas that are vulnerable. You know, it’s always better to be ready than sorry.’
The latest on the fallout from Johnson’s death:
Who is Adam Johnson?
Johnson, 29, who played parts of two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, was in his first season with the Nottingham Panthers, 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 Panthers 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.
He scored his lone NHL goal on Oct. 12, 2019, at the Minnesota Wild as part of a two-point night.
The Penguins held a tribute before their Oct. 30 game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Johnson also played in the American Hockey League, Sweden and Germany before signing in England this season.
‘Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing,’ the Panthers 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.’
What is the status of the police investigation into Adam Johnson’s death?
Police said they had been investigating, as they do in all cases involving sudden death, and cautioned people to avoid speculation. They said the investigation remains ongoing.
‘Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened,’ the department said in a statement. ‘We have also been working closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our investigation. …
‘Our officers have now left the scene, however due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident, it is likely the wider investigation will take some time.’
How have hockey organizations reacted to Johnson’s death?
The English Ice Hockey Association announced that approved hockey neck guard/protectors would become mandatory equipment for players at all levels after Dec. 31.
‘It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport,’ the association said. ‘Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.’
The Western Hockey League, a Canadian junior hockey league, announced that neck guards will be required as of Nov. 3 or whenever the equipment is available. The guards must be worn during games and practices.
The Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League already require them.
The NHL discussed skate cuts last season after several injuries, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly told Sirius XM that commissioner Gary Bettman reached out to NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh to get cut-resistant guards on the radar.
“We have been really pushing hard cut-resistant materials and guards for our players,’ Daly said. ‘It is an adjustment for them.”
Daly noted that the AHL and ECHL require cut-resistant materials for wrists and forearms.
“Obviously (with) the most recent horrific accident, really we’ll step up the neck guards for sure,” he said.
Walsh told the Associated Press: “We’re going to explore everything. We have to continue to have conversations on this as we move forward here. It’s a change for the players, but it’s also about protecting them, so I think we will have those conversations as we move forward here.”