Coroner Issues Early Report to UK Governing Body Following Death of Nottingham Panthers' Adam Johnson

Key Highlights :

1. The coroner investigating the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has told the governing body of ice hockey in the UK she is “sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future” if neck guards are not worn.

2. Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden opened the inquest into the death of Johnson on Friday following the tragic incident at the city’s Utilita Arena on October 28, when he was hit in the neck by the skate of a member of the opposing Sheffield Steelers team.

3. During the four-minute hearing there was no mention of the coroner issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) Report in the wake of the death.

4. But details of the report have now been published. The report, which is addressed to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), says: “During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. “In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you.”

5. Rawden outlined the “matters of concern” as: “The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) recommends that neck guards or protectors are worn, but there is no requirement for ice hockey players over the age of 18 to wear equipment designed to protect the neck. 💛The Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club have launched this official fundraiser, with the permission of Adam's family, to raise money for the "Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund". Fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the-nottingham-panthers?utm_term=.3a5c6c5c2cba&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=7days&utm_term_id=2&utm_medium_id=email&utm_campaign_id=7days&mc_cid=c4f1f5f8a3&mc_eid=b3a2c5d2b4

6. The death of the 29-year-old American has shocked the ice hockey world, especially as the incident happened in front of 8,000 fans, including many children.

7. The Panthers and the Steelers are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League, a 10-team set-up comprising outfits from across the UK. It is the most senior level of ice hockey in the UK.

8. According to the PFD report: “During the game Mr Johnson sustained an incised wound to the neck caused by the skate of another player. “He was taken by ambulance to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where he died as

     The death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson at Utilita Arena in Sheffield on October 28 has sent shockwaves through the ice hockey world. The senior coroner for Sheffield, Tanyka Rawden, opened an inquest into the tragedy on Friday and has now issued a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) Report to the governing body of ice hockey in the UK.

     The report, which is addressed to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), states that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) recommends that neck guards or protectors are worn, but there is no requirement for ice hockey players over the age of 18 to wear such equipment. It goes on to say that the coroner has “sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn.”

     The death of the 29-year-old American has shocked the ice hockey world, especially as the incident happened in front of 8,000 fans, including many children. The Panthers and the Steelers are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League, a 10-team set-up comprising outfits from across the UK. It is the most senior level of ice hockey in the UK.

     The Elite Ice Hockey League has said it will not make the use of neck guards mandatory but will “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them following the tragedy. Last week, the EIHA said neck guards will become mandatory from 2024, but the Elite League is not under its control. On Saturday, ice hockey fans paid tribute to Johnson at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, with many supporters in tears as they signed books of condolence.

     The Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club have launched a fundraiser, with the permission of Adam's family, to raise money for the "Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund". The fund will be used to ensure that young players have the necessary safety equipment when playing ice hockey.

     The PFD report requires the governing body to respond within 56 days and adds: “Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise, you must explain why no action is proposed.” South Yorkshire Police are also continuing to investigate the incident.

     The tragic death of Adam Johnson has highlighted the need for greater awareness of the importance of wearing proper safety equipment when playing ice hockey. Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association must take the coroner's report seriously and take the necessary steps to ensure that no other players suffer a similar fate.

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