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Adam Johnson (ice hockey)

Adam Robert Johnson was an American professional ice hockey forward.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Adam Robert Johnson was an American professional ice hockey forward. He played 13 NHL games for the Pittsburgh Penguins and later played in European leagues before dying in 2023 after a skate cut to the neck during a game in England.

Early life and college career

Johnson was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and grew up in northern Minnesota. He played college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth before beginning his professional career.

Professional career

Johnson played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and also spent time in the American Hockey League and in European leagues. His career included stints with Malmö Redhawks, Augsburger Panther, and Nottingham Panthers.

Death

Johnson died on October 28, 2023, after suffering a severe neck injury during a game in Sheffield, England. Reports and league statements said the injury was caused by a skate blade during on-ice contact.

Legacy

His death prompted widespread attention in the hockey world and discussions about player safety and neck protection. He is remembered in Minnesota and by teams he played for.

Key facts

  • Played 13 regular-season NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Scored one NHL goal and totaled four NHL points.
  • Died after a skate cut to the neck during a game in England.
  • His death sparked discussions about player safety and neck protection.
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Canadian context

He played in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, which includes frequent matchups with Canadian NHL teams, and his death led to wider hockey safety discussions relevant to Canadian leagues and players.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Adam Johnson?
Adam Johnson was an American professional ice hockey forward who played in the NHL and several European leagues.
How many NHL games did he play?
He played 13 regular-season NHL games, all with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
What team was he playing for when he died?
He was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hockey League.
How did Adam Johnson die?
He died after sustaining a neck injury from a skate blade during a game in Sheffield, England.
Where was Adam Johnson born?
He was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Johnson_(ice_hockey)
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, NHL games played, teams, and death circumstances.
  2. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/j/johnsad01.html
    Supports: Birthplace, physical stats, career totals, and NHL game log.
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/former-pittsburgh-penguins-player-adam-johnson-dies
    Supports: Penguins tenure, age at death, and reported cause of death.
  4. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/121852/adam-johnson
    Supports: Position, height/weight, career timeline, and European teams.