After Johnson’s tragic death
German Ice Hockey League is thinking about neck protection
October 30, 2023, 10:14 a.m
The accidental death of Adam Johnson not only caused horror and consternation in the ice hockey world. The 29-year-old dies after a runner hits him in the neck. The DEL is now considering a rule change.
After the accidental death of former Augsburg professional Adam Johnson, the German Ice Hockey League announced that it wanted to address the issue of neck protection for players. “Neck protection will be a topic at the next meeting of the sporting directors,” said a DEL spokesman. This should also be discussed with the players. Neck protection is not yet mandatory in the DEL. However, professionals are free to wear appropriate protection.
The death of the former DEL professional caused horror and consternation not only in the ice hockey world. Johnson died on Sunday as a result of a cut to his neck. The 29-year-old American sustained the injury the day before in his Nottingham Panthers’ game in Sheffield. Johnson initially received first aid on the ice and was then taken to the hospital, where he later died. The game in front of 8,000 horrified spectators was abandoned.
Last season, Johnson was on the ice for the Augsburg Panthers. “The Augsburg Panthers’ thoughts are with Adam Johnson’s girlfriend, his family and teammates as well as all the ice hockey fans and officials who had to witness the terrible accident in the hall. We wish them a lot of strength in coping with the shock and the immeasurable sadness for a young person Life,” the Panthers announced on Sunday and announced a minute’s silence for their next DEL home game on Tuesday against Düsseldorfer EG. Some of these already existed at the DEL games on Sunday.
His team, the Nottingham Panthers, also commented on X, formerly Twitter. “Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible human being with his whole life ahead of him.” The club will miss him very much and never forget him. The British ice hockey league Elite League postponed all games originally scheduled for Sunday due to the news of the death.