Nottingham Panthers Make Tough Decision After On-Ice Tragedy

The team announced today that they will be removing themselves from the tournament this year. The move comes as a way for Johnson's teammates to heal and mourn the loss of their friend.

Johnson previous played a handful of games in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored his first career goal in the world's greatest hockey league.

News of Johnson's death shook the hockey world. Players, organizations, and leagues were left to consider ways in which player safety can be improved. Several leagues around the world instituted mandatory neck guard requirements while the Penguins issued the same mandate to their AHL and ECHL players.

Several NHL players have been seen wearing neck guards in game since the incident occurred although the league cannot make a rules change without the players association's approval so a rules change midseason is unlikely. One player who has been wearing neck protection since Johnson's death is Neal Pionk, who was best friends with him. He scored his first goal of the season in his first game after attending Johnson's funeral.

The hockey world misses you Adam.