After Hockey Player's Death, MN Biz Sells Out Of Blade-Cut Protection

MINNESOTA — The death of hockey player Adam Johnson — a Hibbing native — has led to a flood of sales for a Minnesota hockey equipment company.

"Warroad" — which is based out of the Minnesota city it's named after — has sold out of its neck and wrist guards that offer protection from blade cuts. There is now a waitlist for the products.

Johnson, 29, died after a skate blade cut his neck during a game Saturday in Sheffield, England.

The forward for the Nottingham Panthers was skating with the puck when a Sheffield Steeler player lifted his leg and the blade of his skate slashed Johnson's neck.

Blood immediately began gushing from Johnson's neck and a ref escorted him off the rink to receive medical attention.

The graphic and disturbing incident was caught on video. Johnson's team announced his death early on Sunday.

"As news of the tragic accident that befell Adam Johnson spread through the hockey community yesterday, it created a heightened demand for skate-cut protection," the Warroad Company said in a statement.

"Although it does little to ease the sorrow caused by this accident, we are grateful that thousands more players will be protected. Due to the rush of interest in skate-cut protection, we are not sold out of all our TILO Neck and Wrist base layers. We are taking measures to restock as quickly as possible and have started a waitlist for those interested in updates."

"Our thoughts are with Adam's family and community as they mourn his loss. Sticks out for Adam Johnson," the company added.

Johnson's club, the Panthers, described the incident as a "freak accident" and said that "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."

Editor's note: A previous version of this article misspelled the name of the hockey equipment company.