Adam Johnson: Sheffield ice hockey teams given first aid kits

Sheffield Mavericks are one of the 14 ice hockey teams in the city to be given first aid kits

First aid kits have been given to all amateur ice hockey teams in Sheffield following the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson.

Johnson, 29, was hit in the neck by a skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.

Spire Claremont Hospital has given first aid kits to the 14 teams in the city, comprising about 500 players.

Spire's physiotherapy technical instructor Alison Darwin said the kits could help prevent further tragedies.

Johnson was pronounced dead in hospital after sustaining the cut at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.

Spire physiotherapist Alison Darwin, pictured with Sheffield Mavericks co-owner Oli Duckenfield, arranged the distribution of the kits

Ms Darwin, who was at the match on the night of the tragedy, said Johnson's death had "hit the whole ice hockey community so hard".

Discussing the first aid kits she helped to hand out, she said: "There are so many accidents that could happen that it could prevent.

"You've got somebody there straight away, you're not waiting, you've got the kit with you at all times so you're able to get to the player as soon as possible and prevent a more serious injury happening."

The English Ice Hockey Association introduced mandatory neck guards during "all on-ice activities" at the start of 2024 following Johnson's death.

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

Oli Duckenfield, co-owner of the Sheffield Mavericks amateur team, said the new rules on neck guards and the distribution of first aid kits would make the sport safer.

He said: "It was awful what's happened, but obviously something really positive on the back of it is that by wearing these neck guards it may protect the next person it happens to."

Bleed control kits, which are first aid kits for people who have been cut, have been given to 170 ice hockey teams throughout the country, including the Leeds Knights men's and Leeds Roses women's teams.

Leeds Roses player Michelle Ross says having a bleed kit available is "amazing" in case of emergencies

The kits were donated by the Adam's Angels group that was set up by Erin Rose, a sports therapist for the Romford Raiders ice hockey team, following Johnson's death.

Leeds Roses player Michelle Ross said: "We've had a player injury where she tripped and cut her wrist - fortunately one of our players is a doctor so we were able to deal with that there and then and get her off to A&E.

"Having a bleed kit available is amazing and the fact they've been able to raise the fundraising to get that out across the country is incredible."

A man who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over Johnson's death has been released on police bail.