Adam Johnson’s UK Team Retires His Number 47 Jersey After The American Player’s Skate-Cut Death

NOTTINGHAM, England – The English hockey team retired Adam Johnson’s No. 47 jersey on Saturday as part of a tribute game for the American who passed away after an opposing player’s skate slashed his neck during a game.

Nottingham Panthers players were also seen wearing neck protectors. However, the team would not confirm this.

The Panthers made the statement seconds before the start of their game against the Manchester Storm at Motorpoint Arena, as players from both teams stood in a circle at center ice.

Adam Johnson’s UK Team Retires His Jersey Number After The American Player’s Skate-Cut Death

“He will forever be our No. 47,” announcer Stef Litchfield stated. “He was not only a fantastic hockey player, but also a fantastic teammate.” He was a wonderful person with his entire life ahead of him. We’ll miss him terribly.”

The Panthers have not played since their Oct. 28 encounter in Sheffield last month.

The death of the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh Penguins player has not only pushed the sport to rethink safety laws, but it has also sparked a criminal inquiry in the area, which has resulted in the arrest of a man on suspicion of manslaughter.

The game streamed live on YouTube for free, is not counted in the Elite Ice Hockey League standings. Instead, it was intended to bring together players and supporters as they attempted to move forward.

“We’re not just hockey fans — we’re a hockey family,” Panthers fan Margaret Cartwright said before the game as she passed by a makeshift memorial where supporters had put flowers, wreaths, jerseys, team scarves, and handwritten notes in memory of Johnson.

The game finished in a 4-4 stalemate, but the home fans were able to celebrate four times with the goal song “Chelsea Dagger.”

When the Panthers arrived for warmups, they were greeted with a standing ovation, and some waved and spoke with fans in between shoots.

Nottingham’s coaching staff stood shoulder to shoulder on the bench as players and supporters glanced up to the scoreboard to watch Johnson’s career highlights. Storm players donned custom-made white jerseys with the number 47 in a circle on the front.

In the third period, the play was halted in the 47th minute for a minute of applause from the sold-out crowd of 10,000. Coaches, players, and officials all applauded.

Johnson died as a result of a neck injury, according to a postmortem assessment. South Yorkshire Police did not identify or age the suspect. He was arrested on Tuesday and released on bail the next day.

SOURCE – (AP)