Fundraisers established for family of former NHLer Adam Johnson after death

According to Nottingham Panthers forward Westin Michaud — a teammate of Johnson’s — the family verified the credibility of a fundraiser via the website Mealtrain. Over 300 participants have raised around $23,000 CAD, with a public meal plan set up by friends, family and other people looking to help at a meal drop-off location in Hibbing, Minnesota.

The Panthers also launched their own fundraiser, raising over $30,000 CAD.

Johnson passed away on Oct. 28 due to injuries suffered from a skate laceration while playing with the Panthers. The team trailed the Sheffield Steelers 2-1 at the time of the incident, with the game getting canceled immediately.

Local police also opened a routine investigation into the incident. Adam Petgrave, the player involved in the incident, has faced threats and harassment from fans and political commentators in the days since. Many in the hockey world, including Michaud — who was on the bench at the time — have come to his defense.

“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him,” the Panthers said in a statement on social media. “The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.”

Since his passing, various organizations have begun mandating the use of neck protection for players. The Penguins announced Tuesday that they’ll mandate neck protection for players on their AHL and ECHL clubs. The English Ice Hockey Association will make neck guards mandatory starting in 2024 during “all on-ice activities.”

Johnson was in his first season with the Nottingham Panthers, posting four goals and seven points in seven EIHL games. He spent parts of two seasons with the Penguins, scoring one goal and four points in 13 NHL games. He also had another 50 goals and 137 points in 257 games over five seasons in the AHL.