Blackhawks react after ‘freak accident’ kills former NHL player Adam Johnson

Chicago Blackhawks players react to the tragic news of the death of former NHL player Adam Johnson after a “freak accident” on the ice in England. The Blackhawks expressed their condolences and shock in response to this devastating incident. To learn more, read the full article on NBC Sports Chicago.

Speaking from the locker room, Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato stated, “It’s awful. When you hear the news, you get a pit in your stomach and you can only pray for their family and his friends.”

Young star Connor Bedard commented, “Obviously (it’s) so sad for of course him and his family and everything. It’s hard to think about that. You’re thinking about him and his family, that’s a tragedy. The hockey community is so tight and such a small world. … I don’t know him, a few guys in here know him, but you want to do what you can to support anyway.”

Defenseman Connor Murphy referred to it as “the worst nightmare of a possibility.” “You don’t have the words, and it’s hard to think about it even knowing it’s a possibility, but you just chalk it up to being such a fluke thing,” Murphy reportedly said.

Adam Johnson, a former NHL player who appeared in 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, tragically passed away after his neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England. Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when the incident occurred during the second period. The Nottingham Panthers released a statement expressing their devastation and sending their thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, partner, and friends during this difficult time.

In response to the heartbreaking news, the Pittsburgh Penguins also offered their deepest condolences to Adam’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, stating that Adam will always be part of the Penguins family.

Ryan Donato described the situation as “tragic” and said, “And for good reason. And it’s just sad the way it happened.”

The NHL has had its share of scares involving skate cuts, including a recent incident involving the Blackhawks when Bruins center Jakub Lauko took a skate to the eye. Lauko fortunately avoided a major injury.

For more information about the aftermath of Jakub Lauko’s skate injury, see here.

In light of Johnson’s death, ice hockey players in England will be required to wear neck guards starting from 2024.