LAUSANNE, December 20, 2023 - On October 28, 2023, before 8,000 spectators at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England, when Nottingham Panthers played against Sheffield Steelers, Panthers star Adam Johnson's throat was cut by the skate blade of Steelers player Matt Petgrave during an on-ice collision in the 35th minute of the 2nd period. A video of the incident showed Petgrave's left skate kicked up towards Johnson as he began to fall. After the collision Johnson attempted to skate to the team bench while bleeding out, before collapsing on the ice. He was transferred to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy report confirmed that Johnson died from the wound to his neck. The spectators were asked to leave the arena.

TRIBUTES In response to Johnson's death the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) suspended all games for two weeks. Hundreds of fans came to the Arena to lay flowers and make the place a memorial. All North America’s National Hockey League (NHL) teams had moments of silence.

Adam Johnson (June, 22, 1994 - October 28, 2023) was a US-born player, who played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins (2018-2020). He also played for the Malmö Redhawks, Augsburger Panther and Nottingham Panthers.

INVESTIGATION Under British law, the police initiated an investigation through Becs Horsfall (Detective Chief Superintendent of the South Yorkshire Police). The player Petgrave was arrested by the police on November 14 - 17 days after the incident – and charged with manslaughter. He was released on bail.

NECK PROTECTOR The International lce Hockey Federation immediately discussed ways to protect the players. On the recommendation of the Medical Committee it was decided that all players participating in an IIHF championship have to wear a neck protector.

The German Ice Hockey Federation also decided that it would be mandatory to wear a neck protector at all league games.