A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by South Yorkshire Police following the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson during a game.
Johnson, 29, suffered a fatal wound to the neck during the Panthers' Elite Ice Hockey League clash with the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, having been cut by the skate of an opposition player.
An investigation was immediately opened into Johnson's death, and the force have now announced that a man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody.
"Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances," Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in a statement.
"We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our enquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.
"Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world. We know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process. Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as enquiries continue."
Minnesota-born Johnson - who played a centre - previously represented the Pittsburgh Penguins, Malmo Redhawks and Augsburger Panther before joining the Panthers in August.
Following Johnson's death, the EIHA announced that neck guards would become mandatory for all players from 2024.
Ben Knapton
