In the wake of Adam Johnson’s tragic death during this weekend’s game due to a terrifying “freak accident,” a hockey team has implemented a new rule.
Star player for the Nottingham Panthers Johnson passed away on Saturday night (October 28) during a game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena versus the Sheffield Steelers.
During the derby match, in front of over 8,000 spectators, Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave inadvertently sliced the American hockey player in the neck.
A bystander compared the scenario to “a bad dream I can’t wake up from,” stating that Johnson’s colleagues surrounded him in a protective circle to keep spectators away from him until paramedics arrived.
The National Ice Hockey League South Division 1 team Oxford City Stars released a statement after the horrifying event in which they pledged to increase player safety in memory of Johnson.
Oxford City Stars released a statement saying, “Player Safety First.” Following the heartbreaking event in which Adam Johnson tragically perished in an odd in-game accident,
The community has started to pay their respects to the hockey player. Credit: X “The team is pleased to declare that all players and coaching personnel will now be required to wear neck protectors.
All players and coaches will now be receiving neck protection, which the club has ordered and is currently waiting for. These guards will be used for all future on-ice events after they are obtained.
“These guards will add an extra degree of security and will be an indisputable part of their uniform for all practices and games.
“This commitment represents not only a significant moment for the Oxford City Stars, but also a cornerstone in advocating for enhanced safety standards across the sport in a heartfelt tribute to Adam Johnson’s memory.”
Adam Johnson was in a horrifying accident on Saturday. Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images is credited.
Director of Hockey Operations Shane Moore stated: “We want to make sure that every precaution is taken to protect our athletes while they are engaged in their passion.
“We are appreciative of the support from all of our players and coaching staff in advancing this initiative, and we believe that safety must be a basic component of everything we do.
“We want to demonstrate that safety should always come first and act as positive role models for both present and future players.
“We want to make sure we have done everything within our power to prevent another tragic loss in the event that wearing neck guards can prevent another life being taken too soon in a freak accident.”
