The mum of ice hockey star Adam Johnson, who tragically died in a ‘freak’ accident during a game this weekend, has shared ‘the only video that should be circulating around the internet’.
Nottingham Panthers star Johnson, 29, passed away following an incident during a match against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena on Saturday night (28 October).
The American hockey player was slashed in the neck during the derby clash, while more than 8,000 fans were watching from the sidelines.
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Spectators were asked to leave the stadium in Sheffield following the 'major medical emergency'.
Confirming the sad news, his team 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 ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing. Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today's news.
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"The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.
"Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.
"We ask that the privacy of Adam's family and friends, and everyone at the club is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief.
"Rest in peace Adam."
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On Facebook his mum Kari Johnson, who changed her display picture to one of her late son, reposted a clip of Johnson scoring his first National Hockey League (NHL) goal, alongside the caption: “This is the only video of Adam Johnson that should be circulating around the internet. His first NHL goal.”
The post has since been flooded with messages of condolence and support for Kari.
In a brief statement posted on Facebook yesterday (29 October), Kari said: "I lost half of my heart tonight."
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Johnson was born in Minnesota and made a name for himself at the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL.
He then played in Sweden for the Malmo Redhawks, before joining Canada's Ontario Reign and Germany's Augsburger Panther.
He switched to the UK's Nottingham Panthers in August.
Claire Reid