The Elite Ice Hockey League has postponed its midweek fixtures after the death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson.

Matches are to resume from Saturday 4 November, but the Panthers and Steelers will not return to action then.

The league said tributes will be paid to Johnson when matches begin again.

“The Elite League can confirm that games scheduled for both Tuesday and Wednesday will be postponed,” said the EIHL.

“Everyone connected with the Elite Ice Hockey League is still coming to terms with the events of Saturday night, and the terrible news that was published on Sunday morning.

“Earlier today, the coaches of eight teams consulted with their players about what should happen next. These teams expressed their wish to return to playing Elite League fixtures this weekend.

“Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers will not return to the ice this weekend, and we would continue to ask everyone to support these clubs through what is an intensely difficult time.

“All games taking place this weekend will be organised with appropriate and fitting tributes to Adam Johnson. Please bear with us, as this needs to be an ongoing process to ensure that all tributes have been agreed with those affected most deeply by what has happened.”

On Monday, the English Ice Hockey Association announced it would be mandatory for players to wear a neck guard during “all on-ice activities” from 2024 onwards.

BBC Sport understands Johnson was not wearing a neck guard.

The league said details of the tributes would be announced before the weekend, adding: “We hope that fans from around the league will feel able to come together to pay tribute to Adam as part of what is a very sad and difficult process for everyone.”