WATCH: UMD Coach Scott Sandelin Comments On Tragic Death Of Former Bulldog Adam Johnson
If you haven't been following the news on this subject, former UMD Bulldogs hockey player Adam Johnson died tragically in an on-ice incident during a game while playing overseas for the Nottingham Panthers in the United Kingdom for the Elite Ice Hockey League.
Johnson, who is a Hibbing native and played a couple of years with the UMD Bulldogs, died over the weekend during what his team described as a "freak accident" related to the skate of another player causing a fatal injury.
The team for which he was playing shared a statement on the subject, expressing devastation following this tragic occurrence during a game against Sheffield.
Following the news, the UMD Bulldogs shared a post on social media to their fans, letting his former hockey community know about the tragic news and sharing condolences for his family.
The local hockey community across Minnesota went on to share their condolences after the news of Johnson's passing with the Minnesota Wild sharing a post on their social media accounts and the UMD Bulldogs issuing a statement.
In the UMD statement on his passing, the hockey staff said the following:
We are deeply devastated to learn last evening of the passing of Adam Johnson. Adam was loved and admired by his teammates, coaches, and staff. As talented as he was on the ice, he was even a better person. Adam remained connected to the program, and for our time with him we are eternally grateful. Adam, we love you, we will miss you.
In Monday's press conference, UMD Men's Hockey coach Scott Sandelin answered questions from the media about Adam, his time growing up in the Northern Minnesota hockey world, and his time with the Bulldogs.
In addition, he also addressed questions about neck guards and other safety equipment that are now a part of conversation in the hockey community following this tragic incident.
The incident is being investigated by police, with some online offering speculation on whether or not the injury was an accident. In the wake of this speculation, the local police are asking the public to avoid speculation about the incident.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker