Adam Johnson: Elite League postpones midweek games after death of Nottingham Panthers forward
- Published
Tributes have been paid following the death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson
The Elite Ice Hockey League has postponed its midweek fixtures after the death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson.
Johnson died after suffering a cut to his neck from a skate during Saturday's Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers.
Matches are to resume from Saturday 4 November, but the Panthers and Steelers will not return to action then.
The league said tributes will be paid to Johnson when matches begin again.
"The Elite League can confirm that games scheduled for both Tuesday and Wednesday will be postponed," said the EIHL.
"Everyone connected with the Elite Ice Hockey League is still coming to terms with the events of Saturday night, and the terrible news that was published on Sunday morning.
"Earlier today, the coaches of eight teams consulted with their players about what should happen next. These teams expressed their wish to return to playing Elite League fixtures this weekend.
"Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers will not return to the ice this weekend, and we would continue to ask everyone to support these clubs through what is an intensely difficult time.
"All games taking place this weekend will be organised with appropriate and fitting tributes to Adam Johnson. Please bear with us, as this needs to be an ongoing process to ensure that all tributes have been agreed with those affected most deeply by what has happened."
Coach addresses fans after ice hockey player's death
On Monday, the English Ice Hockey Association announced it would be mandatory for players to wear a neck guard during "all on-ice activities" from 2024 onwards.
大象传媒 Sport understands Johnson was not wearing a neck guard.
The league said details of the tributes would be announced before the weekend, adding: "We hope that fans from around the league will feel able to come together to pay tribute to Adam as part of what is a very sad and difficult process for everyone."
On Monday, Johnson's former NHL team the Pittsburgh Penguins also paid tribute to him.
Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby, who played alongside Johnson, said: "It's something that we've all been thinking about since finding out.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. He's just a great guy, great team-mate. An awesome attitude when he was here.
"[He] was just generally happy to be playing in the NHL. So it's heartbreaking that that's happened."
Adam Johnson: Pittsburgh Penguins give emotional tribute to former player