Adam Johnson's heartbroken teammates pay tribute at first match since star's tragic death
Nottingham Panthers hosted Manchester Storm in a friendly at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday night to pay tribute to Adam Johnson, who passed away aged 29 last month
Nottingham Panthers have paid tribute to Adam Johnson in an emotional first game since his tragic death on the ice.
Johnson passed away aged 29 after his neck was slashed by an opponents’ ice skate on October 28. South Yorkshire Police are still investigating the circumstances around his death, but the Panthers returned to the ice in a friendly match against Manchester Storm on Saturday night.
The Panthers said the game at the Motorpoint Arena was held "to celebrate the life of Adam and the remarkable person he was". It gave 10,000 fans the chance to pay tribute in a minute's applause in the 47th minute – a reference to Johnson’s No.47 jersey, which will be retired by the club.
Before the start of the match players from both teams gathered in a circle on the ice and banged their sticks on the ice while the crowd clapped and chanted his name. There was also a huge sign above the rink displaying Johnson's face and proclaiming him as “Forever Our 47”. Johnson's heartbroken family tuned into the game from their home in the US state of Minnesota.
Here are some photos from the emotional evening in Nottingham.
1 of 7 Johnson was just 29 years old
Adam Johnson tragically passed away after suffering injuries to his neck
2 of 7 Adam Johnson memorabilia
Nottingham Panthers were selling memorabilia proclaiming Adam Johnson "Forever our 47"
(Image:Getty Images)3 of 7 A touching moment
The players formed a circle before the game in tribute
(Image:PA)4 of 7 AJ47
AJ47, the initials and number of Nottingham Panthers' Adam Johnson, written in lights in the stands
(Image:PA)
5 of 7 His former teammates pay tribute
Nottingham Panthers players all wore No47 jerseys in his honour
(Image:Getty Images)6 of 7 No47 to be retired
Adam Johnson's No47 jersey is to be retired by the club
(Image:PA)7 of 7 A moment before the face-off
The players lined up before the game started
(Image:PA)