Adam Johnson tragically died in an ice hockey skating incident last yearNottingham Panthers paid tribute to the star in a pre-match moment on SundayPlayers rallied on the ice as supporters remembered their former playerBy Ryan Walker Published: 14:29 EDT, 27 October 2024 | Updated: 18:22 EDT, 27 October 2024
Poignant scenes of remembrance were held in Nottingham one-year on from the tragic death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson.Monday marks the anniversary of Johnson’s passing after he died on October 28 last year having been struck in the neck by an opposition player’s skate during a match at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.The 29-year-old American, who was playing for Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers, died in hospital and a post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a neck injury. A man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in November and then bailed by South Yorkshire Police before later being again re-bailed until November 11, the force confirmed in a statement.Emotions were high at the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday evening as Nottingham played host to Manchester Storm, with several touching pre-match tributes taking place in Johnson’s memory. Poignant scenes of remembrance were held in Nottingham one-year on from the tragic death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson The former Pittsburgh Penguins player died after an on-ice collision during a game lastyear Nottingham Panthers later retired Adam Johnson’s No 47 jersey following his deathSupporters in attendance held posters and placards remembering the former star who joined the Panthers in August 2023 after he enjoyed previous spells in Germany and Sweden.Johnson had also previously played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in North America’s National Hockey League, the sport’s elite club competition.The highlight moment pre-match on Sunday evening came as both teams gathered together on the ice before the pre-match face-off and tapped there hockey sticks against the ice for 47 seconds.Johnson had previously worn the No.47 shirt during his time at the club and fans of both clubs applauded along during the heart-warming moment of raw remembrance. The Panthers later retired the shirt in his memory. Johnson, 29, died after an opposing player’s skate slashed his neck during a game in October last yearThe Panthers have previously held matches in his honour and last year hosted a memorial game to ‘celebrate the life of Adam and the remarkable person he was’.A similar tribute to Johnson was held before that game as well with 10,000 spectators inside the venue rising to applaud in the 47th minute, a nod to Johnson’s number.
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Nottingham Panthers pay emotional tribute to Adam Johnson one-year on from the ice hockey star’s tragic death aged 29 as players rally for touching 47-second moment of remembrance