Connecticut 10th-Grade Hockey Player Dies After Collision
A tragic incident occurred on February 22, 2021, when a 10th-grade hockey player from Canton High School named Owen Johnson died after suffering a serious injury during a game. The young athlete collided with an opposing player during the second period of the game, causing him to hit his head on the ice. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being rushed to the hospital, Johnson passed away later that night.
The Game and The Collision
The game took place at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum on the University of Connecticut's Storrs campus. Johnson was a member of the Canton High School ice hockey team, which was playing against the Suffield/Granby/Windsor Locks co-op team.
The collision occurred when Johnson was skating with the puck towards the opposing team's goal. As he approached the net, a Suffield/Granby/Windsor Locks player collided with him, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ice. According to eyewitnesses, Johnson was unconscious and not moving for several minutes before being attended to by medical personnel.
Both teams immediately stopped play, and the arena fell silent as everyone watched anxiously as Johnson was attended to on the ice. An ambulance soon arrived, and Johnson was taken to the hospital where he tragically passed away.
Response from the Community
The news of Johnson's passing has been met with an outpouring of grief, shock, and sadness throughout the local community as well as the wider hockey community. Many people, including other high school hockey teams, have expressed their condolences and support for Johnson's family and friends.
A candlelight vigil was held on February 23rd at Canton High School in memory of Johnson, with hundreds in attendance. Various tributes and memorials have also been organized to honor his life and legacy.
Safety Concerns in Hockey
Johnson's tragic death has reignited discussions around safety in hockey, particularly when it comes to head injuries. This is not the first time a young hockey player has died as a result of a collision during a game, and many are calling for increased measures to be put in place to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Hockey is a high-contact sport that carries inherent risks, but there are steps that can be taken to minimize those risks. These include improving player education and awareness around safety protocols, increasing penalties for dangerous hits and plays, and investing in better protective equipment.
The Legacy of Owen Johnson
Owen Johnson was a talented young hockey player who had a passion for the sport and a bright future ahead of him. While his life was tragically cut short, his legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him, as well as in the ways that the hockey community comes together to improve safety and prevent future tragedies.
Rest in peace, Owen Johnson.
