American hockey player Adam Johnson, known for his brief NHL stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, has tragically lost his life in a freak accident during a game in England, AP reports.

Johnson, aged 29, suffered a fatal injury as his neck was accidentally cut by a skate blade on Saturday, according to a statement released by his team.

Adam Johnson was actively participating in a Challenge Cup game, representing the Nottingham Panthers, facing off against the Sheffield Steelers.

The unfortunate incident occurred during the second period of the Elite Ice Hockey League game hosted at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.

In a somber announcement, the Nottingham Panthers expressed their profound sorrow, stating, "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."

READ NEXT: Barry Melrose Retires as Hockey Analyst 

The Freak Accident

In a distressing turn of events during an ice hockey match between the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers, the game was abruptly abandoned following a severe neck injury sustained by an American hockey player, per BBC.

The Challenge Cup contest, held at Sheffield Arena, came to a halt in the 35th minute of play when Adam Johnson suffered a grave cut to his neck from a skate blade.

The gravity of the situation was immediately apparent as paramedics rushed to the ice to provide urgent medical attention to the injured player while his teammates and opponents formed a protective circle around him.

As a precautionary measure, protective screens were swiftly raised, and the remaining players left the ice to return to the locker rooms.

The injured American hockey player was promptly transported to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital for further medical care.

The Nottingham Panthers took to social media to inform the approximately 8,000 fans in attendance that they had been asked to vacate the premises due to a "major medical emergency."

The incident sent shockwaves through the arena, leaving spectators and players alike deeply shaken by the unforeseen turn of events.

Reporting on the situation, BBC Radio Sheffield's Peter Spencer, who was present at the game, conveyed via social media: "Nottingham Panthers player badly hurt after a collision in mid-ice. Paramedics are now on the ice, players are forming a ring around him, and screens are up around him. Awful scenes here at Sheffield Arena."

American Hockey Player Adam Johnson's Career

Hailing from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Adam Johnson had a remarkable hockey journey despite going undrafted, according to NHL.

He made his mark at the University of Minnesota-Duluth before signing a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 6, 2017.

In his first season, Johnson collected 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 70 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He then had a brief NHL stint, contributing two assists in six games during the 2018-19 season and one goal with one assist in seven games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the following season.

After his time with the Penguins, Johnson played internationally in the Swedish Hockey League for Malmo, then returned to North America with AHL teams Ontario (Los Angeles Kings) and Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia Flyers).

The American hockey player also played in Germany for Augsburger before joining the Nottingham Panthers.

The EIHL extended condolences to the American hockey player's family, friends, and teammates and requested respect for the family's privacy during this difficult time.

READ MORE: Kareem Jackson Suspended 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Adam Johnson: Ice hockey player dies after neck slashed by skate in Sheffield - Form Sky News