Stalled investigation into death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson frustrates former teammates

Teammates of Adam Johnson have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity on the death of the star player during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in the UK in November last year.

Johnson, a former NHL player, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League against the Sheffield Steelers when an incident on the ice tragically claimed his life. 

Johnson collided with a Steelers player during their game on the 28th of October 2023, during the collision Johnson’s neck was cut by the skate of the Steelers player.

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Initially unaware of the severity of his injury, Johnson tried to skate off the ice, making his way to the Panthers’ bench when he collapsed.

Upon seeing the severity of Johnson’s injury, both teams formed a protective circle around Johnson, blocking the view of spectators and allowing him medical attention.

At the time of the incident, there was a crowd of over 8,000 in attendance. These spectators were evacuated from the arena following the incident. The game ended when officials realized how severe Johnson’s injuries were.

After prolonged treatment on the ice, Johnson was transferred to the Northern Great Hospital in Sheffield, where he was pronounced dead.

The news of Johnson’s death was not made public until Sunday the 29th of October 2023 to ensure family and friends were alerted before it made the news.

Following Johnson's death, Matt Petgrave, the player whose skate collided with Johnson's neck, was arrested on a manslaughter charge. The former Steelers player was re-bailed in October 2024 as the investigation into the event continues. 

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Victor Bjorkung, one of Johnson's Panthers teammates, expressed his frustration on the lack of clarity over the investigation. "The whole police investigation, I think it's been taking way too long, for Adam's family and everyone involved in the whole thing," he said, as reported by the BBC. "But I understand why as well, nothing like this has ever happened before. So it's not an easy black or white, this is right and this is wrong."

South Yorkshire Police have since issued an update into the matter, stressing the complexity around it. "In the year since the incident, we have been working meticulously to fully investigate the unprecedented circumstances in which Adam sadly lost his life. This is a complex investigation which has involved conversations with highly specialised experts in their field. Our work is continuing, and we are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service."

A year on, Johnson's death still weighs heavily on the club and those around Johnson at the time, with assistant coach Kevin Moore saying it was "something I still think about weekly," the BBC reported.

"And every game I do my best to just say a little prayer for him and his family and honour him. He'll never be forgotten in this community and certainly I'll never forget him either."

Clubs around the country held applause lasting 47 seconds during games held over the weekend of the 26 and 27 October 2024, in honour of Johnson, who wore the number 47. A similar thing took place in 2023 following the news of his death.

Johnson made his debut in professional hockey as part of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, playing seven games during the 2018-19 season, scoring one goal in the NHL. The team released their own statement, saying, "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."

The Steelers also released their own statement following Johnson’s death, saying, "Everyone at the Steelers send their condolences to Adam Johnson's partner, family and team-mates."

Adam Johnson was engaged to Ryan Wolfe, who posted a picture of Johnson with the caption, "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."

Following the incident, there have been some calls for players to wear neckguards, something that has been made mandatory for players under 20 in the UK to wear.

Following Johnson’s stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson decided to move to the Swedish club, Malmö Redhawks where played for a season. He then spent time with the Ontario Reign and Lehigh Valley Phantoms before signing with Augsburger Panther in Germany before agreeing terms with the Nottingham Panthers for the 2022-23 season.

Johnson is survived by his parents, Davey and Sue, as well as his older brother Ryan.

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