A professional ice hockey player has died in a “freak accident” after he was slashed in the neck during a game.

Nottingham Panthers has confirmed Adam Johnson, 29, died during the team’s derby clash against Sheffield Steelers.

The game at Sheffield Arena was abandoned shortly after the incident.

In a statement, the club said: “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.

The team added: “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.”

A statement from the Elite Ice Hockey League said all games on Sunday (in Belfast, Fife and Guildford) have been postponed.

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More than 8,000 fans were inside the arena in Sheffield when the incident took place, and were all asked to leave in the aftermath.

Before joining Sheffield Steelers, the Minnesota-born Johnson played in Pennsylvania for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Sweden for the Malmo Redhawks.

He also played in Canada for Ontario and in Germany for Augsburger Panther.

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