Adam Johnson, full name, Adam Robert Johnson (June 22, 1994 – October 28, 2023) was a skilled American professional ice hockey forward.
Throughout his career, he appeared in 13 National Hockey League (NHL) games, representing the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons.
Beyond North America, he showcased his talents in European hockey leagues, including stints with the Malmö Redhawks, Augsburger Panther, and Nottingham Panthers.
Tragically, Johnson’s life was cut short in 2023 as a result of a devastating on-ice collision that led to a severe neck injury caused by a skate.
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Adam Johnson’s Early Life
Johnson, born on June 22, 1994, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Susan and Davey Johnson, embarked on a remarkable journey in his hockey career.
After graduating high school, he further developed his skills in the United States Hockey League (USHL), competing with the Indiana Ice and the Sioux City Musketeers.
Notably, he earned the distinction of a USHL All-Star in 2015. Even though he went undrafted, Johnson’s unwavering determination propelled him into a two-season stint in collegiate hockey with the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Where he competed in the highly competitive National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC)—his sophomore season in 2016–17 proved to be a standout year, marked by a remarkable achievement of 18 goals and an impressive 37 points in 42 games.
Notably, he held the second position on the team in both goals and total points during this remarkable period. One of the unforgettable moments in Johnson’s college career was his overtime power-play goal against Boston University, which secured Minnesota-Duluth’s place in the 2017 Frozen Four with a thrilling 3–2 victory.
While the Bulldogs reached the NCAA championship game, they ultimately succumbed to the University of Denver in a closely contested match, ending with a score of 3–2.
Johnson’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, as he was invited to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ prospect development camp. In time, he opted to end his college career prematurely, putting pen to paper on a two-year entry-level contract on July 6, 2017 with the Penguins.
Adam Johnson’s Playing Career
Johnson emerged as the second-highest scorer for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, during the 2017–18 season.
He achieved a significant milestone when he made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 21, 2019, in a thrilling 2–1 victory against the Nashville Predators.
Throughout his NHL journey, Johnson contributed to 13 games, with one memorable goal in a 7–4 win against the Minnesota Wild on October 12, 2019, playing in his home state.
The unforeseen disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led Johnson to explore opportunities abroad. On December 15, 2020, he signed a contract with the Malmö Redhawks of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the 2020–21 season.
Thriving in a prominent top-six forward role, Johnson made his mark with seven goals and 12 points in 21 regular season games. However, he opted to terminate his contract and return to North America on March 27, 2020.
A new chapter in Johnson’s career began on April 6, 2021, when he agreed with a free agent with the Ontario Reign, serving as the primary AHL affiliate to the Los Angeles Kings.
Adam Johnson’s offensive skills came to the forefront as he contributed an impressive 11 points in just 14 games during this period.
Remaining with the Reign into the following 2021–22 season, Johnson contributed one goal and six points in 28 regular season games before being traded to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in exchange for future considerations on February 17, 2022.
As a free agent in the subsequent off-season, Adam Johnson rekindled his European adventure, signing a one-year contract with the German club Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) on September 12, 2022.
During the 2022–23 season, Johnson showcased his skills with seven goals and 22 points across 45 regular season games, even though his efforts couldn’t prevent the Panthers from finishing in a relegation position.
Johnson bid farewell to the club as his contract concluded on March 17, 2023. In August 2023, Johnson took a new leap, agreeing to join the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) for the upcoming 2023–24 season.
Adam Johnson’s Death
Tragedy struck on October 28, 2023, when Adam sustained a fatal injury during a game against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena.
His neck was accidentally cut by the skate of Steelers player Matt Petgrave in a harrowing on-ice collision. Despite the severity of the injury, Johnson valiantly attempted to skate toward the team bench while bleeding, but he eventually collapsed on the ice.
In a touching display of sportsmanship and solidarity, players from both teams encircled Johnson, forming a protective ring while medical professionals rushed to his aid. As the situation grew increasingly severe, screens were erected, and the arena was evacuated.
Tragically, Johnson was later transported to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, where he was formally pronounced deceased at the tender age of 29. In a gesture of respect and compassion, the news of Johnson’s passing was withheld from the public until the following morning, allowing time for his family to be informed.
In the wake of Johnson’s untimely death, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) suspended all games scheduled for October 29 as a mark of respect.
Around the world, numerous leagues, teams, and political figures representing Nottinghamshire issued statements expressing their condolences and organized pre-game ceremonies in honor of Johnson’s memory.
A fan-driven fundraising campaign swiftly gained momentum, exceeding its initial goal of £5,000 within hours and ultimately reaching £10,000 on the same day, all aimed at supporting Johnson’s grieving family.
Following this devastating loss, hundreds of fans, alongside Panthers players and staff, gathered outside the Nottingham Arena, the home rink of the Panthers, to create a poignant makeshift memorial adorned with flowers and tributes to remember and honor the beloved player.
FAQ about Adam Johnson
How old was Adam Johnson, the hockey player?
What happened at the ice hockey?
Tributes have been paid to ice hockey player Johnson, who died in hospital following “a freak accident” during a match on Saturday.
The 29-year-old American reportedly suffered a slashed neck during the second period of the game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
Who is the oldest hockey player in history?
Gordie Howe is celebrated as the oldest hockey player in the sport’s history, having retired at the remarkable age of 52.
His extraordinary career, which spanned over five decades, and his numerous accolades firmly establish him as one of the most legendary and accomplished hockey players in history.
Who is the youngest captain in hockey history?
Connor McDavid holds the distinction of being the NHL’s youngest permanent captain in history.
The Edmonton Oilers bestowed this honor upon him on October 5, 2016, when he was just 19 years and 266 days old.
Who hit Adam Johnson’s hockey?
Johnson, a native of Hibbing on Minnesota’s Iron Range, was skating up the ice when he was hit in the neck by the skate blade of Matt Petgrave.
Is Adam Johnson still alive in hockey?
Died on October 28, 2023, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Why do ice hockey players fight?
However, supporters of fighting say it provides a means of security for players, that fighting is a tool players use to keep opposing players in check, essentially allowing players to police which hits and dirty plays are unacceptable.
Who cut Adam Johnson?
Petgrave crashed into one of Adam Johnson’s teammates on Saturday, which appeared to knock him off balance before his leg lifted and sliced across Johnson’s neck.
How many goals did Adam Johnson score?
Career stats
Competitionwettbewerb
Total: 57
Premier League 265 43
Championship 43 10
FA Cup 25 2
Was Adam Johnson Married?
Before his passing, Adam Johnson was in a relationship with his partner Ryan Wolfe. The couple are understood to have become engaged over the summer and lived in England together.
Does Adam Johnson have Instagram?
Adam Johnson (@adamsjohnson) • Instagram photos and videos.
Who is Adam Johnson’s partner?
The former NHL player Adam Johnson’s girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe, shared a poignant tribute on Monday in memory of the late forward. Johnson tragically lost his life over the weekend in a ‘freak accident’ during a game.
On her Instagram Stories, Wolfe posted a heartfelt message alongside a photo of Johnson, saying, ‘My beloved angel, so sweet and dear.
References
- Adam Johnson (ice hockey) – Wikipedia
- Pittsburgh Inks Adam Johnson to Two-Year Deal
- Former NHL Star Adam Johnson, 29, Dies in Freak Accident in UK Hockey Game
- Adam Johnson: Former NHL player dies in UK ice hockey match
- Adam Johnson: Ice hockey star’s death prompts safety talks
- Former NHL Star Adam Johnson, 29, Dies in Freak Accident in UK Hockey Game
- Adam Johnson: Ice hockey star’s death prompts safety talks
- Khloe Kardashian Shoots Down Speculation She’s Back with Tristan Thompson as Kim Attends Laker Games
- Elton John – The Story
- Did Kent Johnson Get Drafted?
- Pittsburgh Inks Adam Johnson to Two-Year Deal
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