Hockey player charged with manslaughter in Adam Johnson's on-ice slashing death

According to South Yorkshire police, a British professional hockey player was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in the on-ice death of former NHL player Adam Johnson on Tuesday.

Johnson was killed on October 28 during a match between two British professional teams, the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers. Johnson, who was playing for the Panthers, died from a deadly neck injury after being sliced by a skate during the game.

Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall released a statement, saying, "Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances."

"We have been speaking to highly specialized experts in their field to assist in our enquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation," the statement continued.

South Yorkshire police said Johnson's family was being assisted during the inquiry and had requested privacy.

Johnson, 29, had played 13 games for the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, largely with the team's minor league affiliate, and also spent time in the Swedish and German hockey leagues before signing with the Panthers prior to the 2023 season.