Coroner calls for ice hockey neck guards to be worn after Adam Johnson’s death
The coroner investigating the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has told ice hockey’s governing body in Britain that it is “sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future” if neck protectors are not worn.
Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden opened the inquest into Johnson’s death on Friday following the tragic incident at the city’s Utilita Arena on October 28 when he was struck in the neck by a Sheffield member’s skate Opposing Steelers team.
During the four-minute hearing, there was no mention of the coroner issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths Report following the death. But details of the report have now been published.
The report, addressed to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association, said: “During the course of the investigation, my research identified matters that raised concerns. In my opinion, there is a risk that deaths will occur in the future unless action is taken. Under the circumstances it is my legal duty to report to you.”
Rawden outlined the “points of concern” as follows: “The International Ice Hockey Federation recommends that neck gaiters or protectors be worn, but there is no requirement for ice hockey players over the age of 18 to wear equipment designed to protect the neck.
“In due course the inquest will consider whether the use of a neck gaiter or protector could have prevented Mr Johnson’s death. However, at this stage of my investigation I am sufficiently concerned that future deaths may occur if neck gaiters or protectors are not worn.”
The death of the 29-year-old American shocked the ice hockey world, especially because the incident took place in front of 8,000 fans, including many children. The Panthers and the Steelers are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League, a team made up of ten teams from across the United Kingdom. It is the highest level of ice hockey in Great Britain.
According to the PFD report: “During the game, Mr. Johnson suffered a laceration to the neck caused by another player’s skate. He was taken by ambulance to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, where he died from his injuries.
The report requires the governing body to respond within 56 days, adding: “Your response must include details of the action taken or proposed, including the timescale for action. Otherwise you have to explain why no action is proposed.”
A coroner issuing a PFD report so early in an investigation is a highly unusual move. These reports are normally prepared after a full investigation has been completed and Rawden made it clear on Friday that this hearing will not take place for several months. South Yorkshire Police are also continuing to investigate the incident.
The Elite Ice Hockey League has said it will not mandate the use of neck guards but will “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them following the tragedy.
Last week the EIHA said neck protectors will become mandatory from 2024, but the Elite League is not under its control.
On Saturday, ice hockey fans paid tribute to Johnson at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, with many supporters breaking down in tears as they signed books of condolence. They walked past a photo of Johnson and a jersey with his name and team number 47 as they entered the ice – which was carpeted – to pay their respects to the American.
The governing body Ice Hockey UK has been contacted for comment.