Thirteen members of the Manitoba hockey community spent time playing with Adam Johnson, who died tragically on Saturday.
"It's another tough day in the hockey world," was how Winnipeg Jets interim head coach ended his post-game media availability on Saturday evening.
It was on Saturday night that forward Adam Johnson suffered a 'freak accident' one-ice while playing for his Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League at Utilita Arena in England.
Skating across the blueline, the 29-year-old came in contact with the skate blade of Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave who had entangled himself with a teammate.
The blade struck Johnson's neck and he immediately collapsed to the ice, clutching at his gushing wound. He was helped off the ice in panic, before being treated on-site and rushed to hospital.
Unfortunately, he did not pull through, as the team announced his passing later in the night.
“The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night,” his team wrote in a statement on Sunday.
“The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.”
Sheffield police are investigating video of the on-ice incident based on its severity and resulting death.
Johnson previously played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and spent five seasons playing professionally in North America before leaving to continue his playing career overseas.
The 6-foot, 1756-pound forward suited up in both Sweden and Germany before moving to England for the 2023-24 season.
In 13 total NHL games for Pittsburgh, the undrafted Minnesota product had a goal, four points and two penalty minutes. Those two penalty minutes came in Johnson's only game against the Jets, which took place in Winnipeg on October 13, 2019.
"Our hearts go out to the Johnson family," Jets captain Adam Lowry said post-game on Saturday. "Obviously, we had some teammates who were teammates of his. That's heartbreaking news. We'd really like to send our thoughts and prayers to the whole family."
According to coach Arniel, the players had heard about the incident prior to puckdrop, but the coaching staff did not the players focusing elsewhere. But postgame, the news spread throughout the dressing room - one of many connections to the late player.
"Our condolences go out to the Johson family," Arniel said. "This is a hockey world and it's a hockey tragedy. We have a lot of guys that have close ties and connections to him and his family. Our hearts go out to them. It's another tough day in the hockey world."
As many as 12 players with Manitoba connections suited up on occasion - or regularly - with Johnson.
Neal Pionk (USHL, NCAA, UMHSEHL), Dominic Toninato (NCAA, UMHSEHL), Alex Iafallo (NCAA), Rasmus Kupari (AHL) and Gabe Vilardi (AHL) each played at least one season with Johnson, while former Jets Karson Kuhlman (NCAA, UMHSEHL), Brandon Tanev (NHL), Michael Eyssimont (AHL), Quinton Howden (SHL) and Nelson Nogier (AHL) also skated on his side.
Joining Howden as players with Manitoba connections are Calen Addison, Wade Allison and Macoy Erkamps who each spent time with Johnson.
Much like that of Lowry, Winnipeg defenceman Brenden Dillon made it clear that the entire Jets roster had Johnson and those impacted by the tragic situation in their thoughts and prayers.
"We want to say that on behalf of the Jets to the family of Adam Johnson, who passed away," Dillon said. "He was a teammate of some of the guys here on our team and the hockey community is a small community. Everybody feels it and is sending love and prayers to his family today."