04 November 2023 , 14:46
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Adam Johnson's grief-stricken teammate has recalled the harrowing incident which tragically claimed the Nottingham Panthers star's life.
The 29-year-old ice hockey star died following a freak accident during his side’s match with the Sheffield Steelers last weekend. He suffered a serious cut to his neck while out on the ice and was rushed to hospital while fans asked were asked to leave the stadium as the match was abandoned.
It was later confirmed Johnson had sadly died from his injury in news which has left the ice hockey community in mourning. Panthers’ defenceman Victor Bjorkung has spoken out on the shocking incident as he and his team try to process the heartbreaking events.
Speaking to Swedish outlet Expressen, he said: “I have tried to suppress a lot. You are so shocked at the moment, everything goes so damn fast. One moment you have your friend there, the next second he's gone."
Bjorkung admitted he does not remember exactly what happened but has nevertheless been left traumatised by the accident. "It is the most traumatising thing I have seen in my entire life," he said. "Being on the ice when a friend I hold close dies like that. It's terrible. It went so damn fast.
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"I was a few meters away from him and I have a lot of memory gaps, but I have been told that I played the puck up to him on the left wing and then it takes a few seconds before... well, everyone knows what happens after that."
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Johnson had only signed for the Nottingham Panthers for the 2023/24 season, with Bjorkung arriving at the same time. Despite the relatively short amount of time that the pair had been teammates, Johnson managed to leave quite the impression.
Revealing what he was like, Bjorkung said: "Damn nice and kind guy. He was popular. Easy to deal with. A sarcastic and funny guy, you often knew what he was thinking, he didn't have to say much. A very good hockey player who was a star in our team. It's just extreme sadness, this."
The Nottingham Panthers have paid special tribute to Johnson after his death. They have started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the family, while the club are also selling replica No. 47 jerseys - the number that he wore - for £47.
All money raised from the venture will go towards a charity chosen by Johnson’s family, who are based in Hibbing, Minnesota, in the United States. A statement from Nottingham Panthers read: “Nothing can undo the hurt that they and we are all feeling.
“The Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club have launched this official fundraiser, with the permission of Adam's family, to raise money for the ‘Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund’.
“The purpose of this fund is to support local charitable activities in the Hibbing area (Adam's home town) as selected by the Johnson Family. If you feel you can, please donate to this fundraiser in support of the fund established in Adam's memory. Thank you.”