Adam Johnson: Girlfriend's tribute to ice hockey player killed in 'freak accident'
The fiancee of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who was killed in a 'freak accident' during a game at the weekend, has given a touching tribute to him, saying: "I'll miss you forever".
Ryan Wolfe, who was reportedly from Minnesota, where Johnson was from, but lived with him in the UK, shared a post on Instagram, saying: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."
Hers was one of a deluge of tributes to the 29-year-old, who reportedly suffered a slashed neck while playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
On Sunday his club confirmed he had passed away.
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Tributes have poured in to Johnson, who was described as an "outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him".
In a statement, Nottingham Panthers said: "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."
Sheffield said in their own statement: “Everyone at the Steelers send their condolences to Adam Johnson’s partner, family & teammates.”
Minnesota-born Johnson 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.”
'Prayers and deepest condolences'
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.”
Johnson 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.
Games postponed in wake of tragedy
In the wake of the tragedy, matches scheduled to take place on Sunday were postponed by the Elite Ice Hockey League.
A statement from the League said: "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.”
