‘Adam Johnson’s death must lead to change in ice hockey’
Adam Johnson was only 29 years old when he came to Nottingham to pursue his ice hockey dreams. He joined the Nottingham Panthers for the 2023/24 season, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time playing in Sweden, Germany, and the USA.
On a fateful Saturday afternoon, Johnson boarded a coach with his team for a game against their arch rivals, the Sheffield Steelers, in the Challenge Cup. Little did he know that this game would end in tragedy. Just 35 minutes into the game, Johnson suffered a severe cut to his neck from a collision with an opponent’s skate. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, he tragically passed away.
The news of Johnson’s untimely death sent shockwaves through the ice hockey community. Fans who were present at the Sheffield Arena struggled to come to terms with what they had witnessed, turning to social media to find solace and support.
As someone who has played ice hockey for over 20 years, I understand the inherent risks of the sport. It is a full-contact game with players skating around with sticks, chasing a rubber disc. However, measures are taken to minimize the impact of certain incidents. Players are required to wear protective equipment from head to toe.
When I was a child, I would suit up in full protective gear. But as players reach the age of 18 and start playing in senior ice hockey matches in the UK, the requirement to wear a neck guard and a full face cage or visor is lifted. Like many other players, I couldn’t wait to ditch the cage for a half-visor and leave the neck guard in my kit bag.
However, the tragic events that unfolded at the Sheffield Arena have brought this issue to the forefront. It is now being questioned whether neck guards should be made mandatory in senior games. A petition has been started to advocate for this change, highlighting the fatal and bizarre rule that currently exists.
Oxford City Stars, a team in the National Ice Hockey League Division One South, has already taken a stand. They have announced that neck guards will be mandatory for all players and coaching staff during on-ice activities. This proactive approach is commendable, as it aims to prevent another devastating loss.
But the question remains: should it be left to individual clubs to enforce such changes, or should the governing bodies of the sport take quicker action? The Elite Ice Hockey League, where the Panthers and Steelers play, did not have any games scheduled on the day after Johnson’s death. However, the English Ice Hockey Association, the sport’s governing body in the UK, issued a statement allowing games in the lower leagues to proceed.
This decision has sparked further debate about the prioritization of player safety and mental health. The Sheffield Scimitars, who played a game just a few hundred yards away from the tragic incident, expressed their reservations about playing. They emphasized the importance of considering mental health in such situations.
As someone who hasn’t played at that level for a decade, I can’t help but think about Adam, the incident, and all those who witnessed it. The English Ice Hockey Association made the wrong call by allowing games to go ahead on that day. It is my hope that they will reconsider their stance and take action on the issue of neck guards, ensuring that some good can come out of this terrible tragedy.
If you were present at the Sheffield Arena or if you feel the need for additional support, there are helplines available to provide assistance. Mind and Samaritans offer phone support, while Young Minds and Childline provide text and phone support for young people. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help.