Fans and players of ice hockey have gathered at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena to pay tribute to the passing of Adam Johnson. Johnson died after his neck was cut with a skate while playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers on October 28. The game was abandoned after Johnson’s death.
The Panthers played their first game since the incident on November 20. A crowd of about 10,000 gathered for the Adam Johnson Memorial Game. Manchester Storm provided the opposition while fans outside still laid flowers and offerings in remembrance of Johnson. Johnson played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL and joined the Panthers in August before the 2023-24 season.
During the pre-game ceremony, the players tapped their sticks on the ice, paying tribute to Johnson. The crowd offered a minute’s applause after 47 minutes. Johnson’s jersey number, 47, was retired by the Panthers. Players from both Manchester Storm and Nottingham Panthers wore memorial jerseys bearing Johnson’s name and number, which will be raffled.
All profits from the memorial merchandise will be donated to the ‘Love for Hibbing & Hockey Memorial Fund’, which aims to support charitable causes in Johnson’s hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. The Panthers are scheduled to compete in the Elite League against Belfast Giants on November 26.
Described by Joe Lynskey, BBC Sport at Motorpoint Arena, as “uplifting and positive”, the tribute was an incredible moment for Johnson’s family and the ice hockey community as a whole. The Panthers’ gesture speaks volumes about the values and culture of ice hockey in All levels. The memory of Adam Johnson will live on in the hearts of many, and justice will be served for his untimely death
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