Supporters and team-mates of Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson paid an emotional tribute in the side’s first match since his tragic death. The 29-year-old American died in hospital after being hit in the neck by an opposition player’s skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.
On Saturday evening, the Panthers returned to the ice with an Adam Johnson Memorial Game at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. Among those in attendance was Johnson’s girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe, whom he was planning to marry, it was revealed last week.
Fans began by leaving tributes outside the arena for Johnson, who also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL and joined the Panthers ahead of the 2023–24 season. During the warm-up, players wearing special game jerseys were cheered by the sell-out crowd, who later chanted Johnson’s name as the team gathered for a tribute.
As the arena lights dimmed, Johnson’s picture appeared on the main scoreboard alongside the words ‘forever our 47’ in honour of his shirt number, which will be retired. During the pre-game ceremony, applause filled the arena as players tapped their sticks on the ice. The special jerseys will be raffled, with proceeds going to the ‘Love for Hibbing & Hockey Memorial Fund’ supporting charitable causes in Johnson’s hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota.
An inquest into Johnson’s death was opened and adjourned on 3 November. Sheffield’s senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, has called on the sport’s governing bodies to take action. The English Ice Hockey Association has said neck guards will become mandatory from 2024, but the Elite League, in which the Panthers compete, is not under its control. The Elite Ice Hockey League said it will not make neck guards mandatory but will “strongly encourage” their use.
On 14 November, a man was arrested by South Yorkshire Police on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson’s death. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
