- The Panthers celebrated Johnson’s death with a memorial last weekend
- The club will also take part in a memorial match against Storm on Saturday
- Johnson was buried last week in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota
The Nottingham Panthers have paid tribute to Adam Johnson by painting a touching message to their former player on the ice at their home stadium.
The 29-year-old former NHL star died after a tragic accident in which Johnson’s throat was slashed by an opponent’s skate during an on-ice collision with Matt Petgrave last month.
Around 8,000 fans were present at the Sheffield Utilita Arena when the freak collision occurred and after being taken to hospital, Johnson was later pronounced dead from a fatal neck injury.
On Tuesday, South Yorkshire Police announced that a man had been arrested on charges of manslaughter and remained in police custody.
On Tuesday, the Panthers’ latest tribute was unveiled following the death of their player.
Nottingham Panthers have painted an emotional tribute to Adam Johnson following the player’s death in October
In a fatal collision on the ice during a game against the Sheffield Steelers, the player’s throat was cut by a skate
The player’s partner, Ryan Wolfe (left), had to identify Johnson after his tragic death on the ice
The message “Adam Johnson – Forever our 47”, in the club colors black and gold, was painted alongside two hearts on the ice at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
Last week, a memorial service was held on the ice for fans and supporters, where a book of condolence for Johnson’s family was handed out and signed. Hundreds of flowers were also left in the arena in memory of the player.
Fans were seen hugging each other and wiping tears from their eyes as they watched the tributes and lined up on the ice to sign the book of condolence, for which a carpet had been laid out for people to walk into the bowl could.
Panthers fan Michelle Hallam had attended the fateful game with her young son and 40 of his classmates and made sure to keep his head down when it became clear that Johnson had been seriously injured.
She told BBC News that despite everything that had happened, her son “wanted to see all the honours”, adding that he was “nervous” just as he walked near the arena.
The Panthers said in a previously released statement that the tragedy is “still very serious” for players and staff. A two-minute silence was scheduled for 8:20 p.m.
Fans gathered at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to attend a memorial service organized by the club
Fans lined up to sign a book of condolence for Johnson’s family, many of whom attended the fateful game
In Nottingham Forest, the fans applauded in the 47th minute – in which the team goal was scored
Johnson was buried last week in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota, after an inquest into his death was opened in Sheffield
The team said: “If you were affected by last weekend’s game and the loss of Adam – and you feel you may need additional help and support – local mental health charities will be there to help those in the Motorpoint Arena foyer , who desire this. ‘Have a conversation.’
Nottingham Forest also commemorated the player’s life after his pass by giving a minute’s applause in the 47th minute.
A banner featuring Johnson’s jersey was unfurled as all four sides of the City Grounds stood to clap and cheer on the player. In that minute, the home team also scored a goal against their opponents Aston Villa thanks to Orel Mangala.
Johnson’s former NHL club, the Pittsburg Penguins, paid tribute to the player before the game against the Anaheim Ducks following the tragedy, and the Panthers will host an “Adam Johnson Memorial Match” against the Manchester Storm on Saturday.
A coroner’s inquest into Johnson’s death was opened last week before being adjourned until January 2024.
Last weekend, hockey fans showed their support for Johnson and Petgrave at the Sheffield Steelers’ first game since the incident.
In tribute to the Panthers player, more than 8,000 fans observed a minute’s silence and a rousing round of applause as players tapped their sticks on the ice before the Steelers’ 2-1 win over Coventry Blaze on Sunday.
Petgrave was not named to the Steelers’ roster to play that night, but before the game his image appeared on the big screen in the arena and many fans stood to applaud the defender’s image.
Fans, players and staff also gathered to pay floral tributes and sign a book of condolence for Johnson’s family at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
South Yorkshire Police: Matt Petgrave