Adam Johnson’s final teammates retook the ice and remembered the friend they had lost.
The Nottingham Panthers, with whom Johnson skated until his Oct. 28 death, played in their first game Saturday since the tragedy.
They came together at Motorpoint Arena in England for a memorial game against the Manchester Storm “to celebrate the life of Adam and the remarkable person he was,” the Panthers said.
Before taking the ice for the exhibition, the Panthers announced they would retire the No. 47 jersey of Johnson, who died after another player’s skate cut his neck during a game.
He was 29.
The incident has led to an outpouring of support for the Minnesota native and former Penguins center; led to discussions about further safety regulations in global hockey, including protective gear around the neck; and led to an arrest of a person on suspicion of manslaughter. (South Yorkshire Police have not named the suspect, who was released on bail.)
Saturday was less about culpability and more about celebration.
A video tribute to Johnson was shown before the game, and the fans on hand were set to applaud in the 47th minute, a nod to his number.
“Adam Johnson, forever our 47” was written behind the goal posts.
All the game-worn jerseys from the game were set to be raffled off, with the proceeds being donated to the Love for Hibbing & Hockey Memorial Fund, which supports charitable activities in Johnson’s hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota.
Johnson, a former University of Minnesota Duluth star who played with the Penguins in 2018-19 and 2019-20, had played in seven games with Nottingham since joining in August.
