Nottingham Panthers Withdraw From Tournament Early Following Adam Johnson's Death

The EIHL, the top professional hockey league of the United Kingdom, has three annual tournament-style events. The League is currently carrying out the Challenge Cup, a midseason event, but one team has dropped out voluntarily.

Nottingham Panthers Withdraw From Challenge Cup

The news comes after the team suffered a horrific tragedy earlier in the tournament. Former Penguin and Nottingham Panthers forward, Adam Johnson, tragically passed away after his neck was cut by a skate. As a result, the team has removed themselves and will no longer be competing in this year's Challenge Cup.

Hockey Leagues Make Player Safety Bigger Priority After Tragedy

Johnson's death was certainly tragic but the silver lining is that hockey leagues and players around the world are taking safety more seriously. The EIHL and WHL, have both implemented mandatory neck protection orders to their players.


The Top pro league in Germany, the DEL also issued a mandatory neck protection order that goes into effect on January 1st.


Several NHL players have also been seen wearing neck protection in games although the league has not issued a mandate for it. The Players association must approve any rules changes before they can go into effect.

As seen on Nottingham Panthers Make Heart-Breaking Decision Following Tragedy During Game