The Swindon Wildcats have paid tribute to an ice hockey player who died in a freak accident on the weekend.

Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson was fatally injured during a derby match against the Sheffield Steelers at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday, October 28.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Elite Ice Hockey League postponed all scheduled games on Sunday, including the Wildcats' match against the Sheffield Steeldogs which was due to be held at the iceSheffield arena.

A Swindon Wildcats spokesperson said: "We join the rest of the hockey community in reading the devastating news about Adam Johnson.

"Our thoughts are with his family, teammates, and everyone involved.

"RIP Adam, hockey will never forget you."

Swindon Advertiser: Adam Johnson (pictured in his NHL days). Picture: Paul Vernon/APAdam Johnson (pictured in his NHL days). Picture: Paul Vernon/AP (Image: Paul Vernon/AP)

A Nottingham Panthers spokesman said: "Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.

"The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.

"The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam's family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time.

"Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing."