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‘Forever our 47’: Adam Johnson's teammates pay tribute to the star as they host a memorial game in his honor

Adam Johnson’s family watched the game from their home in Minnesota where a celebration of his life was also held on the ice earlier this week

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND: The Nottingham Panthers paid an emotional tribute to their late teammate Adam Johnson who died in a freak accident on October 28.

The Panthers played a memorial game since his death against Manchester Storm to honor Johnson’s life and legacy.

Memorial game for Adam Johnson

The game, which was held at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday, November 18, was not part of the Elite Ice Hockey League standings, but rather a friendly match to celebrate Johnson and his remarkable career, the Sun reported. 

The Panthers wore special jerseys with Johnson’s name and number 47 on the back, and a huge sign above the rink showed his face and the words ‘Forever Our 47’, noted the outlet.

The crowd of an estimated 10,000 fans chanted Johnson’s name and clapped as both teams formed a circle on the halfway line and banged their sticks against the ice, as seen in the videos posted by the team on X.

A minute of applause was held in the 47th minute of the game, in a nod to his shirt number.

Johnson’s family watched the game from their home in Minnesota where a celebration of his life was also held on the ice earlier this week.

Tragic death of Adam Johnson

Johnson, 29, died on October 28 when he was struck by an opposing player’s skate that slashed his neck during a game in Sheffield.

He collapsed on the ice and received emergency medical treatment with his girlfriend Ryan by his side before he was taken to hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Johnson was a former NHL player who had joined the Panthers in August. He was a popular and respected member of the team and had scored four goals and six assists in 11 games for the Panthers.

He was also engaged to Ryan, whom he had met in Nottingham and planned to marry next year.

Investigation into Adam Johnson’s death

An unidentified man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after Johnson’s death a few days ago but has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

The police are conducting an extensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident and are speaking to highly specialised experts and the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council.

Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said after a man was arrested, “Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.”