Bauer Hockey Calls for Increased, Urgent Collaboration Following Death of Hockey Pro Adam Johnson

TORONTO, ONTARIO (October 30, 2023) – Adam Johnson, an American professional hockey player who was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, passed away after his neck was cut by a skate blade during the second period of the Elite Ice Hockey League game in England at the Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. Spectators were asked to leave the arena and the match was immediately suspended. Johnson, who was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and appeared in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, was 29.

Bauer Hockey released the following statement from Ed Kinnaly, CEO, in Johnson’s memory:

“Along with the larger hockey community, we mourn Adam’s tragic passing. We believe now is the time for the hockey community to collectively come together to take meaningful action in an urgent manner.

“We are committed to taking action in three areas with other leaders within the industry, including:

1. Increase efforts to elevate product awareness and educate parents and players at all levels on the importance of wearing cut-resistant protection.
2. Work with our elite athletes (women and men) to gain feedback to inform product designs that meet the needs of all players to ensure full adoption.
3. Collaborate with equipment manufacturers, governing bodies (e.g., Hockey Canada, USA Hockey), certification organizations, as well as leagues from youth to professional to mandate neck protection and develop new guidelines to ensure the mandate is enforced.

“At Bauer, our mission is to serve and protect every player at every level. We will pursue every option to ensure the game is as safe as possible for all.”