Anze Kopitar scored his 400th career goal and the Los Angeles Kings sent the Vegas Golden Knights to their second straight loss, 4-1 on Wednesday.

Kopitar sealed the win with an empty-net goal to become the fourth player in franchise history to score 400 goals. The others are Marcel Dionne, Luc Robitaille and Dave Taylor.

Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist and Cam Talbot stopped 37 shots as the Kings won their fourth in a row overall and became the eighth team in history to win its first seven road games.

They are the first team to accomplish the feat since the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils did it in 2009.

William Karlsson scored the lone goal for Vegas as the Golden Knights dropped its second straight after opening the season 11-0-1.

Reinhart scores in OT as Panthers rally again

Sam Reinhart scored just 15 seconds into overtime and the Florida Panthers rallied for the second straight game in a 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals.

Evan Rodrigues tallied the tying goal early in the third period and Aleksander Barkov and Oliver Ekman-Larsson each had a goal and an assist to help Florida notch at least a point for the sixth time in seven games (5-1-1).

The Panthers scored in the final minute of regulation and Carter Verhaeghe netted the overtime winner in a 5-4 victory over Columbus on Monday.

Anthony Mantha scored twice for the Capitals before leaving in the third period after taking a puck to the left side of his face.

Senators score 3 in 3rd to defeat Maple Leafs

Claude Giroux scored two goals and set up another as the Ottawa Senators beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 for just their second win in three weeks.

Domink Kubalik also scored twice and Tim Stutzle had a goal and three assists for the Senators, who had lost their last two and five of their past six in regulation.

William Nylander scored for the Maple Leafs to extend his franchise-record point streak to open a season to 13 games.

Vincent Trocheck scored a pair of goals to help the Metropolitan Division-leading New York Rangers extend their point streak to eight games with a 5-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.

After having a six-game winning streak end with Saturday's shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild, Trocheck put the Rangers (9-2-1) ahead early, scoring 1:40 into the contest.

Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin each had a goal and an assist during a four-goal second period for New York, which hasn't lost in regulation since a 4-1 setback to the Nashville Predators on October 19.

The Rangers converted two of three power-play opportunities while holding the Red Wings (7-5-1) without a score on their six chances with the extra skater.

Panarin's goal was his seventh of the season as he extended his season-opening points streak to 12 games. The only longer points streak to begin a season by a Ranger is Rod Gilbert's 14-gamer to open the 1972-73 season.

Lightning score four in first period in win over Canadiens

Nikita Kucherov stayed hot and Matt Tomkins earned his first career win in the Tampa Bay Lightning's 5-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

A night after blowing a three-goal lead in Monday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Lightning (6-3-4) jumped out to a fast start with Kucherov scoring 22 seconds into the game for his 10th goal of the season. Tampa Bay led 4-0 in less than 14 minutes, with Nicholas Paul, Alex Barre-Boulet and Michael Eyssimont also scoring in the first period.

Paul later scored on the power play in the third period to give him seven goals on the season, with Kucherov and Steven Stamkos being credited with assists.

With 11 points in his last three games, Kucherov now leads the league with 22 points on the season.

Tomkins stopped 22 shots to notch his first NHL win in his third career start. His bid for a shutout ended when Nick Suzuki scored 6:50 into the third period.

Michael Pezzetta and Christian Dvorak also scored for Montreal (5-5-2), which lost its fourth in a row with the last three coming in regulation.

Avalanche score three in third period to pull away from Devils

After being embarrassed the last time they took the ice, the Colorado Avalanche responded with a 6-3 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Tied at 3-3 after two periods, Ryan Johansen scored the go-ahead goal 7:37 into the third period with Nathan MacKinnon scoring his fifth goal of the season just over two minutes later.

Mikko Rantanen later added an empty-netter for Colorado (8-3-0), which was playing for the first time since Saturday's 7-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. That marked the Avs' third defeat in four games, with all three losses being shutouts.

All of Colorado's defeats, however, have been on the road, as the Avs improved to 4-0-0 at home.

The Devils (7-4-1) took advantage of successive boarding and cross-checking penalties on Ross Colton, that resulted in a seven-minute trip to the penalty box, during which Timo Meier and Dougie Hamilton scored power-play goals.

Tyler Toffoli opened the scoring for New Jersey with his team-leading eighth goal of the season 3:43 into the game.

The coroner investigating the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has told the governing body of ice hockey in the UK she is “sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future” if neck guards are not worn.

Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden opened the inquest into the death of Johnson on Friday following the tragic incident at the city’s Utilita Arena on October 28, when he was hit in the neck by the skate of a member of the opposing Sheffield Steelers team.

During the four-minute hearing there was no mention of the coroner issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) Report in the wake of the death. But details of the report have now been published.

The report, which is addressed to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), says: “During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern.

“In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you.”

Rawden outlined the “matters of concern” as: “The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) recommends that neck guards or protectors are worn, but there is no requirement for ice hockey players over the age of 18 to wear equipment designed to protect the neck.

“In due course the inquest will consider whether the use of a neck guard or protector could have prevented Mr Johnson’s death.

“At this stage in my investigation however, I am sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn.”

The death of the 29-year-old American has shocked the ice hockey world, especially as the incident happened in front of 8,000 fans, including many children.

The Panthers and the Steelers are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League, a 10-team set-up comprising outfits from across the UK. It is the most senior level of ice hockey in the UK.

According to the PFD report: “During the game Mr Johnson sustained an incised wound to the neck caused by the skate of another player.

“He was taken by ambulance to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where he died as a result of his injury.”

The report requires the governing body to respond within 56 days and adds: “Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action.

“Otherwise, you must explain why no action is proposed.”

A coroner issuing a PFD report so early in an investigation is a highly unusual move. These reports are normally produced after a full inquest is concluded and Rawden made it clear on Friday that this hearing will not take place for many months.

South Yorkshire Police are also continuing to investigate the incident.

The Elite Ice Hockey League has said it will not make the use of neck guards mandatory but will “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them following the tragedy.

Last week, the EIHA said neck guards will become mandatory from 2024, but the Elite League is not under its control.

On Saturday, ice hockey fans paid tribute to Johnson at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, with many supporters in tears as they signed books of condolence.

They walked past a photo of Johnson and a shirt displaying his name and team number, 47, as they came onto the ice – which had been carpeted – to pay their respects to the American.

Governing body Ice Hockey UK has been approached for comment.

Calle Jarnkrok's goal 46 seconds into overtime capped a furious rally for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who overcame an early three-goal deficit to hand the Tampa Bay Lightning a 6-5 loss on Monday.

Both Jarnkrok and Auston Matthews scored two goals for Toronto, which trailed by a 4-1 margin after one period and bounced back after allowing Tampa Bay's Brandon Hagel to tie the game late in the third. Matthews added an assist, while Mitchell Marner finished with four points on a goal and three assists.

After the Leafs' Matthew Knies recorded the game's first goal, the Lightning struck four times against Toronto starting goaltender Ilya Samsonov before the first intermission. Nikita Kucherov scored twice with Victor Hedman and Brayden Point also beating Samsonov to stake Tampa Bay to a 4-1 lead.

Toronto cut its deficit to one on two second-period goals by Matthews, then took a 5-4 advantage when Jarnkrok and Marner scored just eight seconds apart early in the third. The lead lasted late into regulation before Hagel found the back of the net with 2:26 left in regulation.

Joseph Woll stopped 18 of 19 shots in relief of Samsonov, who was pulled late in the first period after allowing four goals on 12 shots. Jonas Johansson made 26 saves for Tampa Bay.

Two rookies get first NHL goals in Bruins' win

John Beecher and Mason Lohrei each scored the first goals of their NHL careers to help the Boston Bruins continue their sizzling start with Monday's 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars.

Brad Marchand added a goal and Jeremy Swayman made 35 saves as the Bruins improved to 10-1-1 and bounced back from their first regulation loss of the season, a 5-4 defeat at Detroit on Saturday.

Beecher opened the scoring just past the midway mark of the first period and Lohrei made it 2-0 less than four minutes later when he converted a feed from Danton Heinen past Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger. 

Swayman kept the Stars off the scoreboard until Wyatt Johnson's goal 5:09 into the third period. Marchand later scored on the power play to restore Boston's two-goal advantage before Dallas' Joe Pavelski cut the lead to 3-2 with just 28 seconds remaining.

Oettinger finished with 26 saves for the Stars, who have now lost two straight following a 7-1-1 start to the season.

Canucks rout sputtering Oilers to extend win streak

Quinn Hughes had one of three Vancouver goals in the first period and added three assists as the Canucks rolled to a 6-2 victory over the slumping Edmonton Oilers to extend their winning streak to four games.

Hughes, Pius Suter and Brock Boeser scored within a span of 3:22 in the opening period to help surprising Vancouver move to 9-2-1 on the season. The Canucks have missed the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons.

Boeser finished with two goals and J.T. Miller had a goal and an assist to support a 40-save performance from Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko.

Mattias Ekholm scored on a power play to give Edmonton a short-lived 1-0 lead less than seven minutes in. Following Vancouver's three-goal barrage later in the period, Leon Draisaitl got the Oilers within 3-2 in the second before Nils Hoglander restored the Canucks' two-goal advantage with just over nine minutes remaining before the second intermission.

Stuart Skinner recorded 30 saves for Edmonton, which has now lost three straight and fell to 2-8-1.

The Anaheim Ducks struck for four unanswered goals in the third period to rally for a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, which extended their winning streak to six games and gave the defending Stanley Cup champions their first regulation loss of the season.

Sam Carrick scored two goals and Mason McTavish had the tie-breaking tally with 3:40 left to play as the Ducks snapped Vegas' 12-game point streak to begin its Stanley Cup title defence. The Golden Knights began the season on an 11-0-1 run and hadn't lost in regulation in a regular-season game since March 28 of last season, going 16-0-4 since that defeat prior to Sunday's setback. 

Anaheim's winning streak is the franchise's longest since an eight-game run from Oct. 31-Nov. 16, 2021. The Ducks have missed the playoffs in each of the five previous seasons.

The Knights looked to be on the way towards another win after Ivan Barbashev scored in the first period and Jack Eichel did so in the second to build a 2-0 lead entering the final stanza.

Adam Henrique gave the Ducks renewed life, however, with a power-play goal just 1:38 into the third period.

After Carrick's first goal of the night tied the score with 9:05 remaining, McTavish beat Vegas goaltender Logan Thompson with a one-timer less than 5 1/2 minutes later to put Anaheim ahead.

Carrick later sealed the victory with an empty-net score with 1:09 left.

John Gibson aided the Ducks' comeback with 30 saves, while Thompson stopped 19 of 22 shots in defeat.

Devils bounce back with win over Blackhawks

Dawson Mercer and Max Willman scored first-period goals to help the New Jersey Devils get back on track with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

New Jersey had a three-game winning streak snapped with Friday's 4-1 loss at St. Louis, then fell behind early in this one when former Devil Taylor Hall gave Chicago a 1-0 lead just 1:51 into the contest.

Mercer and Willman scored just 1:34 apart later in the opening period, however, and Curtis Lazar extended the lead by redirecting teammate John Marino's shot past Blackhawks' netminder Arvid Soderblom 4:35 into the third.

Ryan Donato's goal with 4:46 remaining got Chicago within 3-2, but Michael McLeod scored into an empty net in the closing seconds to seal the Devils' sixth win in eight games.

Soderblom finished with 36 saves, while Vitek Vanecek stopped 32 shots for New Jersey.

Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick of this year's draft, was held without a point after registering a goal in each of the team's previous three games.

Mark Stone scored a pair of short-handed goals and added two assists as the Vegas Golden Knights rolled to a 7-0 rout of the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday to continue their blazing start.

Jack Eichel and William Karlsson had two goals apiece and Adin Hill turned aside 41 shots for his sixth career shutout to help Vegas improve to an NHL-best 11-0-1.

The Golden Knights are tied with two other teams for the seventh-longest point streak to open a season.

Karlsson extended his point streak to nine games to tie four other players for the longest in team history.

Colorado has lost three of four – all by shutouts on the road – since opening the season with six straight wins.

Red Wings hand Bruins 1st regulation loss

David Perron had the go-ahead tally during a three-goal third period and the Detroit Red Wings rallied for a 5-4 victory to send the Boston Bruins to their first regulation loss of the season.

Boston took a 3-2 lead into the third period, but Dylan Larkin tied it at 6:50 and Perron put Detroit ahead to stay just over two minutes later.

Andrew Copp extended the lead at 10:34 and Davis Pastrnak’s power-play goal with 5:49 left closed the scoring.

Perron finished with a goal and two assists as the Red Wings won for the third time in four games.

The Bruins had won a franchise-record 12 straight regular-season road games dating to last season before the loss.

Matthews notches another hat trick in loss

Auston Matthews scored three times for the third time this season, but Alex Tuch’s two goals lifted the Buffalo Sabres to a 6-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Matthews raised his NHL-leading goal total to 11 with his 10th career hat trick and third in 11 games this season.

JJ Peterka scored one goal and set up another for Buffalo, which has won three of four.

Mitch Marner had a goal and three assists as the Maple Leafs dropped their fourth straight (0-2-2).

Toronto’s William Nylander had an assist to extend his franchise-record point streak to open a season to 11 games.

Ice hockey fans have paid tribute to Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson, who died after sustaining a serious injury during a match watched by thousands.

Many supporters were in tears as they signed books of condolence on the ice at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday evening.

Fans walked past a photo of Johnson and a shirt displaying his name and team number, 47, as they came onto the ice – which had been carpeted – to pay their respects to the American.

Hundreds of floral tributes to Johnson have also been left outside the Motorpoint Arena in Bolero Square.

Nottingham Panthers said the team’s players and staff would spend Saturday afternoon privately reflecting on their memories of Johnson while signing the books of condolence.

Johnson’s funeral will take place on Sunday in the US, according to an obituary posted on the website of Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, Minnesota.

The obituary stated: “Adam had a quiet confidence about him and was never boastful.

“He was never looking to be the centre of attention, but rather he preferred to listen to others and do what he could to make them feel important.”

The 29-year-old American was playing for the Panthers against Sheffield Steelers on October 28 when he was hit in the throat by an opponent’s skate, causing a fatal injury.

About 8,000 fans watched in horror as attempts were made to save Johnson’s life as he lay on the ice at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, shielded by fellow players.

On Friday, Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden opened and adjourned an inquest into Johnson’s death at Sheffield’s Medico-Legal Centre.

The New Jersey Devils lost star center Jack Hughes to an injury and Kevin Hayes scored twice in the St. Louis Blues’ 4-1 victory.

Hughes, who entered with an NHL-leading 15 assists and 20 points, left after awkwardly crashing into the boards following a slight hook by Blues defenseman Torey Krug. No penalty was called on the play.

New Jersey was already playing without center Nico Hischier, who missed his third straight game with an upper-body injury.

Jake Neighbours and Robert Thomas had the other goals and Jordan Binnington made 34 saves to prevent the Blues from a third consecutive loss.

Curtis Lazer scored for the Devils, who had won three in a row.

Ersson leads Flyers past Sabres

Samuel Ersson turned away 22 shots and Bobby Brink had a goal and an assist as the Philadelphia Flyers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

Scott Laughton, Louie Belpedio, Travis Konecny and Garnet Hathaway also scored for the Flyers, who had allowed 15 goals during the three-game skid, including a 5-2 loss to the Sabres on Wednesday.

Henri Jokiharju had the lone goal for Buffalo, which failed in a bid for a three-game winning streak.

Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

The Elite Ice Hockey League will not make the use of neck guards mandatory but will “strongly encourage” players and officials to wear them following the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson.

Johnson, who was 29, died on Saturday after suffering a cut to the neck during a game against the Sheffield Steelers.

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has since said neck guards will become mandatory from 2024, but the Elite League is not under the governing body’s control.

A spokesperson for Elite Ice Hockey League said: “We are devastated by the loss of Adam’s life, and our thoughts remain with his family, team mates and everyone else affected during this difficult time.

“Player safety and welfare is our top priority and we work with players, officials, clubs, and the relevant authorities to review research and advice to understand how we continually enhance the safety of our sport.

“All clubs continue to follow the existing guidance from the International Ice Hockey Federation, that the use of a BNQ or other ISO Standard neck laceration protector is recommended.

“The Elite Ice Hockey League strongly encourages players and officials to wear one and clubs and the League will continue to support players and officials to do so.”

No games have been played since Johnson’s death, will all fixtures postponed, but the league will return to action this weekend, with all teams except Nottingham and Sheffield due to play on both Saturday and Sunday.

An inquest into Johnson’s death was opened and adjourned in Sheffield on Friday morning.

Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden said that inquiries into the death were continuing, and adjourned the inquest until January 26, while stressing this would be for a review and not for the full hearing.

Mrs Rawden concluded the four-minute-long hearing by saying she wanted to “take this opportunity to offer to his family, his friends and all those who knew him, my sincere condolences at this difficult time.”

None of Johnson’s family were in court for the brief hearing.

South Yorkshire Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident but officers have said the inquiry “will take some time”.

Officers have carried out inquiries at the arena, studied footage of the collision and spoken to experts, aided by Sheffield City Council’s health and safety team.

The force said the investigation would be lengthy.

On Wednesday, the Panthers invited fans of all clubs to attend Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena to celebrate the former NHL player on November 4.

This venue has been the focus of fans’ outpouring of shock and emotion since the tragedy at the weekend.

The Panthers have also announced the creation of an official fundraising page to raise money for the Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund – established in Johnson’s memory.

A coroner has offered her “sincere condolences” to the family and friends of Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who died after sustaining a serious injury during a match watched by thousands.

The 29-year-old American was playing for the Panthers against Sheffield Steelers on Saturday when he was hit in the throat by an opponent’s skate, causing a fatal injury.

About 8,000 fans watched in horror as attempts were made to save Johnson’s life as he lay on the ice at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, shielded by fellow players.

On Friday, Sheffield’s senior coroner Tanyka Rawden opened and adjourned an inquest into Johnson’s death at Sheffield’s Medico-Legal Centre.

Mrs Rawden confirmed personal details about the player, including that he was from Minnesota, in the United States, and gave very brief details of how he died.

She said that initial investigations had found that: “Mr Johnson was seriously injured.”

“He was taken by ambulance to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where he died later that day as a result of the injuries sustained.

“He was identified by his fiancee, Ryan Wolfe.”

She said inquiries into the death were continuing.

The coroner adjourned the inquest until January 26 but stressed that this would be for a review and not for the full hearing.

Mrs Rawden concluded the four-minute long hearing by saying she wanted to “take this opportunity to offer to his family, his friends and all those who knew him, my sincere condolences at this difficult time.”

Will Cuylle snapped a tie midway through the third period and the New York Rangers edged the Carolina Hurricanes, 2-1 for their sixth consecutive win on Thursday.

Chris Kreider had the other goal and Igor Shesterkin stopped 27 shots to give the Rangers eight wins in their first 10 games for the second time in franchise history. The 8-2-0 mark trails only a 9-1-0 record to open the 1983-84 season.

Seth Jarvis scored for the Hurricanes, who had a three-game winning streak stopped.

New York has won 10 of its last 14 regular-season games against Carolina and is 19-4-0 in the last 23 meetings at home.

Rangers forward Artemi Panarin assisted on Kreider’s goal to extend his season-opening point streak to 10 games with five goals and 11 assists.

New York’s Adam Fox left the game with a lower-body injury after the first period. He appeared to suffer the injury in a leg-on-leg collision with Carolina’s Sebastian Aho.

Bruins top Maple Leafs in shootout

Jake DeBrusk and Charlie Coyle converted in the shootout and the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 to remain without a regulation loss.

DeBrusk and Pavel Zacha scored in regulation and Jeremy Swayman stopped 33 shots to help Boston improve to 9-0-1 and keep pace with Vegas as the only teams yet to fall in regulation.

Toronto’s William Nylander had an assist to extend his season-opening, franchise-record point streak to 10 games.

Mitchell Marner and Auston Matthews had regulation goals for the Leafs, who are winless in their last three (0-1-2).

Golden Knights defeat Jets

The Vegas Golden Knights got a hat trick from Jonathan Marchessault and continued their blazing start with a 5-2 victory over the visiting Winnipeg Jets.

Ivan Barbashev and William Karlsson each had a goal and an assist to help Vegas improve to an NHL-best 10-0-1.

The Golden Knights are the 13th team in NHL history to record a season-opening point streak of at least 11 games.

Logan Thompson turned aside 29 of 31 shots and is 5-0-0 this season.

Nottingham Panthers will hold a gathering on Saturday night following the death of their player Adam Johnson last weekend.

The 29-year-old American was playing for the Panthers in a Challenge Cup match at rivals Sheffield Steelers last Saturday when he was reportedly hit in the throat by an opponent’s skate, causing a fatal injury.

South Yorkshire Police have since conducted inquiries at the arena, studied footage of the collision and spoken to experts, aided by Sheffield City Council’s health and safety team.

The Panthers, who in confirming Johnson’s death referred to the incident as a “freak accident”, have invited fans of all clubs to attend Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena to celebrate the former NHL player on November 4.

A statement from the Panthers on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “The Nottingham Panthers will come together on Saturday evening to remember Adam Johnson.

“Supporters of all clubs and the general public are invited to attend the Motorpoint Arena from 5:30pm to pay tribute to our #47.

“The arena bowl will be open and people will be invited onto the ice, which will be carpeted, to sign books of condolence.”

The Panthers have also announced the creation of an official fundraising page to raise money for the ‘Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund’ – established in Johnson’s memory.

The Panthers added: “The purpose of this fund is to support local charitable activities in Adam’s hometown area of Hibbing, Minnesota, as selected by the Johnson family.”

On Monday evening, the Elite League confirmed all games scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday would be postponed.

Following consultation with the eight teams and their players, a consensus was for games to resume at the weekend when “appropriate and fitting tributes” to Johnson will take place.

Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers, though, will not be involved in any games over the next round of fixtures.

The police inquiry into the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson during a match watched by thousands of fans “will take some time”, the investigating force has said.

The 29-year-old American was playing for Nottingham Panthers at rivals Sheffield Steelers on Saturday when he was reportedly hit in the throat by an opponent’s skate, causing a fatal injury.

About 8,000 fans watched in horror as attempts were made to save Johnson’s life as he lay on the ice, shielded by fellow players.

His team said it was a “freak accident” on Sunday when they confirmed that the popular Minnesota-born player had died.

Since then, South Yorkshire Police have carried out inquiries at the arena, studied footage of the collision and spoken to experts, aided by Sheffield City Council’s health and safety team.

The force said the investigation would be lengthy.

In a statement they said: “Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of inquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened.

“We have also been working closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our investigation.

“As with all unexpected and sudden deaths, it is standard practice for police to investigate the circumstances fully and feed back our findings to HM coroner.

“Our officers have now left the scene, however due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident, it is likely the wider investigation will take some time.

“We continue to encourage the public to avoid speculation, including on social media, while we continue our inquiries and will provide updates when appropriate.

“Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all those affected.”

The English Ice Hockey Association will make it mandatory to wear a neck guard during “all on-ice activities” from the start of 2024 in a change to regulations following the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson.

The 29-year-old American was playing in a Challenge Cup match at the Sheffield Steelers when he reportedly suffered a slashed neck following a collision.

The Panthers described the incident as a “freak accident” when the club confirmed his death on Sunday, and police are investigating.

Under current rules, players in the UK do not have to play with neck guards once they turn 18.

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) is the sport’s governing body in England and Wales, with almost 400 teams at junior and senior level below the Elite League, who are yet to comment on whether or not they will make neck guards mandatory.

The EIHA says it will also conduct a thorough review of safety equipment in the next 12 months including, but not limited to, the use of helmets, mouthguards/gumshields and facial protection, and the application of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) rules.

A statement from the governing body on Monday read: “The EIHA makes a ‘strong recommendation’ that all players at all levels across English ice hockey use an approved ice hockey neck guard/protector whilst participating in all on-ice activities.

“This ‘strong recommendation’ is in place until 31 December 2023, after which it will become a mandatory requirement.

“It is not mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues. This will be under constant review between now and mandatory implementation.

“All protective equipment must be worn without alterations and as directed by the manufacturers’ specification.”

NIHL team Oxford City Stars, who have former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on their roster, have announced their players must wear neck guards at all times on the ice.

Shane Moore, director of hockey operations, said safety must be a priority, adding: “A life has tragically been taken too soon in a freak accident, and if wearing neck guards can prevent another devastating loss, then we want to ensure we have done everything within our power to protect our players.”

Sheffield City Council’s health and safety team are also assisting the police as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the player’s fiancée Ryan Wolfe paid tribute on Instagram, saying: “My sweet angel, I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”

Fans gathered at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena to pay tribute with flowers and cards.

Steelers fan Gary Hibbert was at the game and said: “I have come to pay my respects. It is heart-breaking.

“My kids absolutely love ice hockey and they have both been absolutely heart-broken after Saturday’s game, as we all are.”

Speaking of the incident in which Minnesota-born former NHL player Johnson was injured, he said: “My initial thought was he had a stick to the face, as it happens.

“Within two, three, four seconds we have seen the pool of blood.”

Mr Hibbert said Johnson had skated off for a moment after the collision before he collapsed and said he then shielded his son as best he could from the tragedy unfolding on the ice.

More tributes were left at Sheffield’s arena, with one card saying: “To a young man who came to Sheffield on a Saturday night to do his job and play for his team, left the arena fighting for his life, and didn’t return home with his team mates RIP Adam Johnson #47.”

Ontario Reign paid tribute to their former player before the club’s American Hockey League game against the Abbotsford Canucks on Sunday.

Johnson’s name was announced to the crowd as his number 49 jersey was placed on a chair in the middle of the ice by former Nottingham player Jacob Doty.

Every Ontario player touched the jersey in a moving gesture.

Police are investigating the “freak accident” which killed ice hockey player Adam Johnson.

Johnson, 29, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup match at the Sheffield Steelers when he reportedly suffered a slashed neck following a collision.

The crowd of 8,000 spectators watched in horror as desperate attempts were made to save the American’s life.

The Nottingham Panthers described the incident as a “freak accident” when the club confirmed his death on Sunday.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.25pm on Saturday 28 October to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.

“Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.

“Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.

“We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries.”

Sheffield City Council’s health and safety team was assisting the police.

Meanwhile, the player’s fiancee Ryan Wolfe paid tribute on Instagram, saying: “My sweet angel, I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”

NIHL team Oxford City Stars, who have former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on their roster, have announced their players must wear neck guards at all times on the ice.

Shane Moore, director of hockey operations, said safety must be a priority, adding: “A life has tragically been taken too soon in a freak accident, and if wearing neck guards can prevent another devastating loss, then we want to ensure we have done everything within our power to protect our players.”

Fans gathered at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena to pay tribute with flowers and cards.

Steelers fan Gary Hibbert was at the game and said: “I have come to pay my respects. It is heart-breaking.

“My kids absolutely love ice hockey and they have both been absolutely heart-broken after Saturday’s game, as we all are.”

Speaking of the incident in which Minnesota-born former NHL player Johnson was injured, he said: “My initial thought was he had a stick to the face, as it happens.

“Within two, three, four seconds we have seen the pool of blood.”

Mr Hibbert said Johnson had skated off for a moment after the collision before he collapsed and said he then shielded his son as best he could from the tragedy unfolding on the ice.

More tributes were left at Sheffield’s area, with one card saying: “To a young man who came to Sheffield on a Saturday night to do his job and play for his team, left the arena fighting for his life, and didn’t return home with his team mates RIP Adam Johnson #47.”

Ontario Reign paid tribute to their former player before the club’s American Hockey League game against the Abbotsford Canucks on Sunday.
 
Johnson’s name was announced to the crowd as his number 49 jersey was placed on a chair in the middle of the ice by former Nottingham player Jacob Doty.

Every Ontario player touched the jersey in a moving gesture.