British Police Investigating Adam Johnson’s Death
According to the Canadian Press, the police investigation into Adam Johnson’s death is still ongoing and could take some time. The former Pittsburgh Penguins player was killed Saturday during a game in the English Elite Ice Hockey League when an opponent’s skate blade cut his neck.
The South Yorkshire police have concluded their investigation at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, where the incident occurred between the Sheffield Steelers and Johnson’s team, the Nottingham Panthers. Now the police force is moving to a wider investigation.
However, the details or specific objectives of the investigation are unknown.
“Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialized experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened,” the statement published by Canadian press read.
Police cited the unprecedented nature of the situation, cautioning the investigation could take some time.
Some former NHL players, including former Philadelphia Flyers TV analyst Chris Therien, have publicly called into question the opponent involved in the incident as reckless.
On the grounds of decency and respect, Pittsburgh Hockey Now and its parent company National Hockey Now LLC, will not publish the video of the incident.
“We continue to encourage the public to avoid speculation, including on social media, while we continue our enquiries and will provide updates when appropriate. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all those affected,” the police statement concluded.
The Penguins organization announced Tuesday that it has mandated neck and wrist guards for its minor league players. The Penguins cannot mandate the equipment for NHL players. On Tuesday, the English league also mandated the extra safety equipment for all players.
Great, a witch hunt. It’s hockey; things happen in a split second. They honestly believe he’d slice someone’s neck open for a puck? In full view of the world and recorded for posterity? Groupthink out in full force. How could it even be proven without the shadow of a doubt? So now it becomes a double tragedy: one man dead and the other demonized.
Watch the video… no way that kick was an accident.
I’ve been playing and watching hockey for 30+ years. I have never seen a leg kick up like that ever. (The remainder of the comment has been deleted due to legal reasons. PHN cannot print accusations of a felony–PHN staff).
At the absolute minimum that was a dangerously reckless action. I have never before seen someone fall like that. It’s not like he yard saled. He was trying to make contact with Johnson. Even if he got knocked off balance , what was his leg doing at neck level. There still needs to be accountability out there. High sticking penalties, they don’t care that you didn’t mean it .that’s not an excuse. You get a penalty. Not likely he meant to murder the guy. But let them investigate. Would you ever want to step on the ice with a player… Read more »
I saw the video and was stunned by it. The guy went full airborne to do the hit. I’ve never seen any hockey player do something like that for any reason. The closest analogy I can think of is it looked like a crazy WWE wrestling move.