Adam Johnson: Coroner calls for ice hockey neck guards to be mandatory

Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson was playing at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield when he was fatally injured

A coroner has called for neck guards in ice hockey to be compulsory following the death of a player whose neck was cut during a match.

Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson suffered the injury from a skate worn by Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave on 28 October. 

Coroner Tanyka Rawden has written a prevention of future deaths report.

The Sheffield coroner said she was concerned deaths may occur in the future if neck guards were not worn.

The incident has been described as a "freak accident" by the Panthers.

The UK's top ice hockey division - the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) - announced last week it would not make the use of neck guards mandatory but would "strongly encourage" players and officials to wear them after Johnson's death.

While governing body the English Ice Hockey Association previously said neck guards would be mandatory from 2024 onwards, that decision does not impact the EIHL, which is not under its control.

In the prevention of future deaths report, she said: "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."

Inside Motorpoint Arena, fans queued to sign books of condolence

Hundreds of people have gathered to pay tribute to Adam Johnson

She said she was concerned that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) recommended neck guards or protectors to be worn, but there was no requirement for ice hockey players over the age of 18 to wear equipment designed to protect the neck.

The coroner added: "In due course the inquest will consider whether the use of a neck guard or protector could have prevented Mr Johnson's death.

"At this stage in my investigation however, I am sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn.

"In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action."

The report has been sent to Ice Hockey UK and English Ice Hockey Association Limited, which have 56 days to respond.

The inquest was opened and adjourned on Friday.

On Saturday, fans and mourners came together at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to pay tribute to Johnson.

Every Panthers games since Johnson died has been postponed, and the club has announced two games this weekend - on 11 and 12 November - will also be rescheduled.

The EIHL and the Nottingham Panthers said in a joint statement: "The players and staff of the Nottingham Panthers are still coming to terms with what happened just over a week ago."

The Panthers added the club "would like to thank fans for their support at such a difficult time".

Johnson was described as "always humble, always polite, always grateful" at a memorial event in his home town

On Monday, a celebration of life event took place in his home town of Hibbing, Minnesota.

Omar Pacha, chief executive of The Panthers, spoke at the event and described Johnson as the "ultimate professional".

He said: "I'd often bump into Adam at the rink or at a game and every time I'd see him I would check 'How's everything Adam'.

"The response was always the same, 'All good Omar. Great group of guys and I'm really enjoying it here' and a big smile.

"And I will never, ever forget two words he would always finish every conversation with everyone at the area - 'Thank you'.

"Always humble, always polite, always grateful, that was our number 47."