By Dan Martin & Sarah HawleyBBC News

Nottingham PanthersFans said Adam Johnson was a "lovely human being"

Tributes have been paid to ice hockey player Adam Johnson who died after his neck was cut by a skate during a match.

The 29-year-old Nottingham Panthers forward was fatally injured in Saturday's game against the Sheffield Steelers.

The club said Johnson's injury was a "freak accident".

His teammates and fans have left flowers outside Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena where the Panthers play their home games.

Johnson's teammates joined fans in paying their respects at the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday

Panthers fans expressed both their grief and disbelief over the player's death following the abandoned match at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.

Lucy Morgan said: "He was not only the player you could see, he was a really nice human as well. He cared about all his teammates and the fans."

Chloe Wells said she had met Johnson on Friday, adding: "He was so nice, a really, really friendly guy."

Some Steelers fans joined Panthers supporters in Nottingham on Sunday to remember Johnson.

Among them was Julie Whitnum, who said: "Normally we are rivals but today we are not. Hockey is just a big family now."

A minute's silence was held for Johnson, who was from Minnesota, in the US, at the Hillsborough football ground on Sunday, when Sheffield Wednesday played Rotherham United.

Johnson previously played in North America's National Hockey League (NHL), playing 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He made the move to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the 2020-21 season before spells with the Ontario Reign and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League.

Johnson played for Augsburger Panther in Germany before signing for the Nottingham Panthers in August.

The club said Johnson was an outstanding hockey player and great teammate

Nottingham Panthers confirmed Johnson's death in a statement on Sunday.

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

"Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today's news.

"The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances.

"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.

"We ask that the privacy of Adam's family and friends, and everyone at the club is respected at this difficult time as we all seek to come to terms with our grief."

PA MediaSheffield Wednesday's players and staff paid tribute to Adam Johnson ahead of their match at Hillsborough on Sunday

Pittsburgh Penguins said in a statement they joined "the entire hockey world in mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon".

They added: "We offer our deepest condolences to Adam's family and friends, as well as all of Adam's past and present teammates and coaches.

"Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family.

"It was our honor to watch him fulfil his dream of playing in the National Hockey League."

Johnson used to play for the University of Minnesota's Duluth Bulldogs, which paid tribute saying he was "loved and admired by his teammates, coaches, and staff".

"As talented as he was on the ice, he was even better person... for our time with him we are eternally grateful," the club said.

Johnson's former team Ontario Reign said: "We're heartbroken to hear the news about former Reign forward Adam Johnson, who tragically passed away Saturday after sustaining an injury while playing in a game in Europe.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones."

The club also posted a video tribute.

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Meanwhile, a football player and a Nottingham actress both sent thoughts to Johnson's family, friends and teammates.

Nottingham Forest women's captain Lyndsey Harkin said: "Heartbreaking news. Thoughts with Adam's family, friends, teammates, steelers, and all the people that witnessed this horrific event last night."

Line of Duty actress Vicky McClure, who is from Nottingham, said: "Absolutely tragic news. Sending all my love and strength to Adam's family, friends, and everyone at @PanthersIHC."

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