Police have said they are investigating the death of a professional ice hockey player during a match in Sheffield on Saturday night and have encouraged people to avoid speculation about the incident.
Adam Johnson, 29, died after appearing to receive a catastrophic cut to his neck from the skate blade of another player during the Challenge Cup game between his team Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers.
The English Ice Hockey Association said it would be mandatory to wear a neck guard during “all on-ice activities” from the start of 2024 in a change to the rules after the death of Johnson.
The EIHA says it will also conduct a thorough review of safety equipment in the next 12 months including the use of helmets, mouthguards, gumshields and facial protection.
A statement from the governing body read: “The EIHA makes a ‘strong recommendation’ that all players at all levels across English ice hockey use an approved ice hockey neck guard/protector while participating in all on-ice activities.
“This ‘strong recommendation’ is in place until 31 December 2023, after which it will become a mandatory requirement.
“It is not mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues. This will be under constant review between now and mandatory implementation.
“All protective equipment must be worn without alterations and as directed by the manufacturers’ specification.”
On Monday, people laid floral tributes to Johnson outside Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, the Panthers’ home stadium. Johnson’s fiancee, Ryan Wolfe, paid tribute on Instagram, saying: “My sweet angel, I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
The Panthers and other witnesses described the horrifying incident as a freak accident.
Giving an update on Monday, South Yorkshire police said: “Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.
“We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries.”
Sheffield city council’s health and safety team is assisting the police.
Oxford City Stars, who play in NIHL Division 1 South, said they were making neck guards mandatory for all players and coaching staff.
The team, whose players include the former Chelsea footballer Petr Cech, said the wearing of the guards would be non-negotiable and they encouraged other clubs to follow suit.
Shane Moore, the club’s director of hockey operations, said: “A life has tragically been taken too soon in a freak accident, and if wearing neck guards can prevent another devastating loss then we want to ensure we have done everything within our power to protect our players.”
About 8,000 people were in the crowd for the match at Utilita Arena Sheffield, and many were in tears after the incident.
Christian Bennett, a Guardian journalist who was at the match, said: “Two players blindsided each other, just bumped into each other. The Sheffield player clearly got knocked off his feet and his skate went up and slit [the other player’s] throat. I’ve never seen that amount of blood come out of anyone at any sort of pace. It is one of the grimmest things I’ve ever seen at a sports event.”
Johnson got up again and tried to skate before collapsing after about three steps.
The match was abandoned and people were asked to leave but to stay in their cars so the ambulance could get there.
Johnson, originally from Minnesota in the US, joined the Panthers as a forward in August.
Among those leaving flowers and cards on Monday was Gary Hibbert, a Sheffield Steelers fan, who said: “I have come to pay my respects. It is heartbreaking. My kids absolutely love ice hockey and they have both been absolutely heartbroken after Saturday’s game, as we all are.”
