The Nottingham Panthers have announced they are retiring Adam Johnson’s number 47 jersey.
The former NHL player died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28 in what his club described as a “freak accident”.
The Panthers hosted a memorial match at their home stadium, the Motorpoint Arena, on Saturday to celebrate his life.
In a further tribute ahead of Saturday’s game against Manchester Storm, the club confirmed the retirement of his shirt number, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “We are humbled to announce that we will be retiring Adam Johnson’s #47 jersey. Forever our 47”.
Johnson was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital on October 28 but died later that day as a result of his injury.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned on November 3.
A man, who has not been named, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by South Yorkshire Police this week and subsequently bailed, with the investigation continuing.
Tributes from across the sport have been paid to Johnson and Saturday’s memorial match was described as an opportunity to “join together to celebrate the life of Adam and the remarkable person he was”.
There was a tribute to Johnson ahead of the match and supporters were invited to rise in the 47th minute for a minute’s applause. The Panthers also wore memorial shirts, which are set to be auctioned on Sunday.
The 29-year-old’s death has prompted an increased push for neck protection for players.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) announced it was making approved neck guards/protectors a mandatory piece of equipment for “players at all levels across English ice hockey”.
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(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Editor’s note: Comments for this story are disabled because of legal reasons. In the United Kingdom, suspects who are arrested have the right to privacy until police officially charge them with a crime.
