Fans are putting hockey sticks outside their homes following Adam Johnson's tragic death

Fans are rallying behind Adam Johnson after the ice hockey player suffered a freak, fatal accident during a recent game.

The American athlete was playing with his team, the Nottingham Panthers, during their match against the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday night,

His throat was sliced and while he tried to get back to his teammates after the incident, he collapsed onto the rink.

Players from both teams formed a ring around Johnson after he suffered the injury to shield him from the thousands of fans who had turned out to see the derby game.

He was rushed to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, but sadly succumbed to his injuries.

In the wake of the devastating tragedy, people across the UK are putting hockey sticks outside their home to pay tribute to the 29-year-old.

The Panthers have released a statement following the incident.

"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," it said.

"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."

The Elite Ice Hockey League announced that all games on Sunday would be postponed in wake of the tragedy.

South Yorkshire Police said it was called to the arena at around 8.25pm on Saturday night, after reports that a player had been seriously injured.

The Panther's home ground, Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, has also paid tribute to Johnson.

It said in a statement: "Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Adam Johnson, his loved ones, all the Panthers players, staff, fans and the whole ice hockey community, following his horrific injury this evening."

Minnesota-born Johnson had made a name for himself in North America's National Hockey League (NHL), while playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He then played in Sweden for the Malmo Redhawks, before spells with Canada's Ontario Reign and Germany's Augsburger Panther.

Johnson joined the UK's Nottingham Panthers in August.