Adam Johnson: Petr Cech’s Ice hockey team makes neck guards mandatory for all their players after 29-year-old was killed in a freak accident on the ice

An English ice hockey team has made neck protectors mandatory for all their players and coaches following the tragic death of Adam Johnson at the age of 29 on Saturday.

Nottingham Panthers star Johnson had his throat slit by an opponent’s skate blade when they collided during a match against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday.

His injury was so horrific that the match had to be abandoned, leaving the traumatized fans in tears.

The shocking incident has led to calls for the introduction of mandatory neck protectors in ice hockey.

Oxford City Stars, who play in the National Ice Hockey League South Division 1 and have former Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on their roster, announced on Monday that they will make neck protectors mandatory following the tragic accident.

“These guards will be a non-negotiable part of their kit during all training and matches, providing an extra layer of protection,” the club said in a statement.

“A moving tribute to the memory of Adam Johnson, this commitment marks not only an important moment for the Oxford City Stars, but also a cornerstone in advocating for better safety standards in the sport.

‘We encourage other clubs to also offer these neck protectors to their players. At our level we are convinced that these protectors should be worn by all players.’

Shane Moore, director of hockey operations for Oxford City Stars, said: “This decision reinforces our commitment to player safety.

“We want to ensure that every possible measure is taken to protect our athletes while they do what they love.

“Safety must be a fundamental aspect of our actions, and we are grateful to all our players and coaching staff for their support in driving this initiative forward. We hope to be a positive role model for both current and future players, showing that safety should always be the top priority.

“A life has been tragically ended too soon in a freak accident, and if wearing neck gaiters can prevent another devastating loss, then we want to ensure we have done everything in our power to protect our players. ‘

Germany’s top ice hockey league is also considering introducing a rule making neck protectors mandatory.

Jorg van Ameln, match manager of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, told the German newspaper Image: ‘During our meeting of sporting directors of the clubs on November 27, we will discuss the planned introduction of a neck brace for the new season.

‘In Finland and Sweden this is mandatory.’

Several major leagues currently do not require players to wear neck protectors.

Tributes have poured in for Minnesota-born Johnson following his shock death. His girlfriend Ryan Wolfe paid tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of him and saying, “My sweet, sweet angel. I will miss you forever and love you always.”

“The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident during last night’s match in Sheffield,” his club said in a statement.

“The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner and all his friends at this extremely difficult time.

“Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management and owners, is heartbroken by the news of Adam’s passing.”

They added that their thoughts were not only with those closest to the athlete, but also with the fans and staff who witnessed the incident.

The club also thanked those who rushed to save him during the horror incident.

They continued, “Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.

A witness told MailOnline that Johnson tried to skate back to his team after the throat injury but collapsed before making it, prompting panic scenes as players and medics rushed out to help the stricken star.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were called at around 8.21pm before dispatching two ambulances and a critical care paramedic – taking one man to hospital.

Four minutes later, South Yorkshire Police were contacted and confirmed he had later died in hospital.

Officers from the force are at the scene and an investigation into the incident is underway.

The Elite Ice Hockey League said they were “heartbroken” as they confirmed the “deeply disturbing” news before postponing all games due to take place on Sunday.

Ice Hockey UK, the governing body for the sport in the country, said: ‘Ice Hockey UK would like to pass on our thoughts and condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Nottingham Panthers striker Adam Johnson, who passed away last night.

“The hockey family stands together – and each other – during this difficult time.”

Johnson previously played thirteen games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League before moving to the Swedish Hockey League ahead of the 2020-2021 season.

He then played for Ontario Reign and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League and also had a stint with Augsburger Panther in Germany.

Johnson signed for the Nottingham Panthers in August

Johnson’s former club, the Pittsburgh Penguins, said: “Adam will always be part of the Penguins family. We were honored to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.”

The NHL also paid tribute to the 29-year-old. “Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates,” they said.