Words from the Steelers
The whole ice hockey community here in the UK and around the world has been rocked by the tragic death of Adam Johnson during our game with the Nottingham Panthers last weekend. The thoughts, prayers and condolences of everyone at the Steelers are with Adam’s family and his team, the fans and everyone affected.
As a club, we are a family, and it is important that we support each other and those across our sport. Nothing could have mentally or emotionally prepared us for what happened during that game, but the players from both teams, the officials and medical professionals who responded should be praised for their swift actions and professionalism in such a difficult moment.
The safety and wellbeing of players and coaching staff is our main priority during this incredibly difficult time. All of them have access to professional mental health support to help them come to terms with the tragic events of last weekend. Each will return to the arena in their own time, and we are giving them all our full support.
The Steelers won’t play this weekend, but we have heard how much Adam loved this sport, and when the ice hockey community returns to arenas in the coming weeks, we will pay our respects and honour his memory by holding a minute’s applause. Then we will do what Adam loved. Our players, coaches and fans will show the passion they have for this sport and, while we will never forget the loss of Adam’s life, over time, a sense of normality and the incredible family spirit will also return to our arenas.
The Steelers are more than an ice hockey club, we are a community, and we want everyone involved with the club to know that we support them and are there for them in any way we can be.