A year after the tragic on-ice accident that claimed Adam Johnson’s life, the Nottingham Panthers and their supporters paid a heartfelt tribute to the beloved hockey star. Johnson, who died at age 29 following a fatal neck injury sustained in a game against the Sheffield Steelers, was honored at the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday. In a deeply moving display of remembrance, both Panthers and Manchester Storm players gathered at center ice, tapping their sticks for 47 seconds to honor Johnson’s number—a symbol of his lasting impact on the team and the sport.
The tribute was held before Nottingham’s home game, with fans holding signs and placards in Johnson’s memory. Emotions ran high as the arena filled with applause, with both teams and thousands of fans joining in the 47-second tribute. Johnson’s number 47 jersey, which the Panthers retired shortly after his passing, served as a reminder of his place in Nottingham’s legacy. Known for his time in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson had also played in Germany and Sweden before joining the Panthers in 2023.
Johnson’s untimely death sparked an investigation, and the incident left an indelible mark on the hockey community worldwide. The Panthers have since hosted memorial games in his honor, celebrating not only his skill on the ice but also the warmth and kindness he shared with teammates and fans. At Sunday’s tribute, the camaraderie among fans and players was evident, proving that Johnson’s influence extended far beyond his time in Nottingham.
The Panthers’ tribute underscored the support from hockey fans and communities around the world, who continue to remember Adam Johnson as a skilled player, teammate, and friend.
