Adam Johnson’s teammate relives ‘traumatising’ moment ice hockey star died after skate slashed his throat
ONE OF Adam Johnson’s teammates has relived the “traumatising” moment the ice hockey star died after a skate slashed his throat.
Nottingham Panthers player Victor Björkung was on the ice when 29-year-old Johnson suffered the fatal gash to his neck.
Björkung has now given his eyewitness account of what he called “the most traumatising thing I have seen in my entire life”.
He has also sent a message of support to Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave, 31, whose skate struck Johnson as they collided.
The Panthers described the death as a “freak accident” and Petgrave is said to be “absolutely distraught”.
South Yorkshire Police said it was carrying out “a range of enquiries” into what happened at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena last Saturday.
Panthers defenceman Björkung has now told Swedish newspaper Expressen how his club was involving a psychologist and trauma team to help the players in daily discussions.
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.”
He remembered passing the puck to Johnson just before the incident but said he still had “a lot of memory gaps”, the Nottingham Post reported.
He added: “It is the most traumatising thing I have seen in my entire life – being on the ice when a friend I hold close dies like that, it’s terrible.”
He also told of speaking and writing to Johnson’s fiancée Ryan Wolfe.
She had paid tribute to Johnson in an Instagram post which said: “My sweet, sweet angel. I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
Björkung described Johnson as a “damn nice and kind guy” who was “popular” and “easy to deal with” as well as being “a very good hockey player who was a star in our team”.
He also condemned an “inhumane” online abuse which has been directed towards Petgrave, who Björkung said he had texted in support.
The Panthers player added: “No one in our team thinks it’s his fault, quite the opposite – we stand behind him.”
Former NHL player Sean Avery has claimed Petgrave was “trying” to make contact with Johnson.
University legal experts have suggested it was “very unlikely” Petgrave would be charged with a criminal offence over the death.
Johnson fell to the floor following the collision in the 35th minute of last Saturday’s match.
Blood was seen covering the ice as he was helped to his feet and towards the side of the rink by a teammate and referee, but he collapsed a few paces later.
Players formed a protective ring around him and protective screens were brought out as the 8,000 fans attending were sent home.
Johnson was taken to hospital, where he is understood to have been back to life before dying during surgery.
His aunt Kari Johnson was watching on a live-stream from her Minnesota home when the “horrific” collision took place.
She has said she did not believe Petgrave intended to kill her “amazing” nephew but did describe his play as “reckless”.