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Minnesota native Adam Johnson involved in ‘major medical emergency’ during hockey game

The Hibbing native played at UMD.
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Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old Minnesota native who was playing hockey in a professional league in England, died Saturday following a "freak accident" on the ice. Read the updated story here

This is a breaking news update. Read the original story below. 

Adam Johnson, a hockey star from Hibbing who starred at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, was involved in what team officials are calling a “major medical emergency” during a game in England’s Elite Hockey League on Saturday.

The incident happened midway through the game, prompting players to return to their locker rooms before the game was eventually called and fans were told to leave the arena.

Johnson, who plays for the Nottingham Panthers, was down on the ice after what reporter Peter Spencer described as a “collision in mid-ice” that required paramedics to respond with players and screens put up around Johnson as he was being treated. 

“Our thoughts are with Adam Johnson, his family, friends, and teammates,” UMD Bulldogs hockey said in a statement. “Bulldog Country is sending our best wishes following his injury tonight with the Nottingham Panthers and hoping for a positive update.”

No details about the medical emergency have been released.

Adam Johnson photo via UMD.

Adam Johnson photo via UMD.

Johnson was a Mr. Hockey finalist in 2012-13 in Minnesota and then played the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons before turning pro. 

The 29-year-old played in Germany last season and is now in his first season with Nottingham. He played 13 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins but spent most of his time with the NHL organization with the minor league club in the American Hockey League.