Adam Johnson: Inquest opens into death of ice hockey player

An ice hockey player who died after his neck was fatally cut during a match was identified by his partner, an inquest has heard.

Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson was pronounced dead in hospital after sustaining the cut to his neck from a skate worn by Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave on Saturday evening.

Sheffield coroner Tanyka Rawden has offered her "sincere condolences" to the family and friends of Johnson.

The hearing has been adjourned.

The Nottingham Panthers have described the 29-year-old's death as a "freak accident".

Meanwhile, the UK's top ice hockey division - the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) - has announced it will not make the use of neck guards mandatory but will "strongly encourage" players and officials to wear them after Johnson's death.

During the opening of the inquest on Friday, Ms Rawden confirmed personal details about the player, including that he was from Minnesota, in the US, and gave brief details of how he died.

She said initial investigations had found "Mr Johnson was seriously injured".

"He was taken by ambulance to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where he died later that day as a result of the injuries sustained," she told the inquest.

"He was identified by his [partner] Ryan Wolfe."

She said inquiries into the death were continuing.

The coroner adjourned the inquest until 26 January, but stressed that this would be for a review and not for the full hearing.

Ms Rawden concluded the four-minute long hearing by saying she wanted to "take this opportunity to offer to his family, his friends and all those who knew him, my sincere condolences at this difficult time".

South Yorkshire Police said officers had been studying footage of the incident at the Utilita Arena and added the investigation "is likely to take some time".

A spokesperson for the EIHL, when announcing it will "strongly encourage" players and officials to wear neck guards, said: "Player safety and welfare is our top priority.

"We work with players, officials, clubs, and the relevant authorities to review research and advice to understand how we continually enhance the safety of our sport."

Governing body the English Ice Hockey Association previously said neck guards would be mandatory from 2024 onwards, but that decision does not impact the EIHL, which is not under its control.

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