Elite Ice Hockey League to return a week on from Adam Johnson's death

The Elite Ice Hockey League is set to return a week on from the death of a player who was fatally injured during a game.

Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson died after a “freak accident” during a Challenge Cup match with Sheffield Steelers last Saturday.

Midweek fixtures were cancelled as a result but eight of the ten teams, including the Dundee Stars, Glasgow Clan and Fife Flyers, will return to the ice this weekend.

The Panthers and the Steelers, the sides involved in Johnson’s last game, won’t be taking part in any of the fixtures being played on Saturday and Sunday.

Tributes will be paid to the 29-year-old American ahead of all the games being played.

A statement from the EIHL said: “All games taking place this weekend will be organised with appropriate and fitting tributes to Adam Johnson.

“Please bear with us, as this needs to be an on-going process to ensure that all tributes have been agreed with those affected most deeply by what has happened.

“The Elite League will give further details of the planned tributes ahead of the weekend, and we hope that fans from around the league will feel able to come together to pay tribute to Adam as part of what is a very sad and difficult process for everyone.”

Johnson reportedly suffered a slashed neck during the second period of the game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

The Minnesota-born player played for Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks.

The NHL said in statement: “The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson. Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates.”

Full list of fixtures

Saturday, November 4
Belfast Giants vs. Guildford Flames (7pm)
Coventry Blaze vs. Dundee Stars (7pm)
Cardiff Devils vs. Manchester Storm (7pm)
Fife Flyers vs. Glasgow Clan (7:15pm)

Sunday, November 5
Dundee Stars vs. Coventry Blaze (5pm)
Manchester Strom vs. Belfast Giants (5.30pm)
Glasgow Clan vs. Cardiff Devils (6pm)
Guildford Flames vs. Fife Flyers (6pm)