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Club retires jersey after ice hockey star's death

Matt Taylor
BBC News, East Midlands
BBC A sign to represent Adam Johnson's 47 Jersey hanging with the six other retired numbers by the clubBBC
Adam Johnson's jersey is now the seventh to be officially retired by the Nottingham Panthers

Nottingham Panthers have retired the jersey of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who died after being injured during a match.

The 29-year-old suffered a fatal neck injury from a skate during a collision with Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave on 28 October 2023.

His number, 47, has been retired by the club following a ceremony held before the Panthers' game with Fife Flyers on Saturday.

Johnson's aunt, Lynn DeGrio, spoke at the event on behalf of the family, describing him as "humble, modest and down-to-earth".

Getty Images Adam Johnson wearing a black and yellow jersey and a black helmet with a visor.Getty Images
Johnson signed for the Panthers in the summer of 2023

"We'd like to thank you all for your throughout this past year," she said to the Panthers crowd.

"You have enveloped us with love, messages, and prayers while we were in our darkest hours.

"We will forever be grateful for all your ."

Panthers chief executive Omar Pacha also spoke at the ceremony, saying: "Adam was a top player, but he was an even better human being."

He thanked Johnson's family for travelling across the Atlantic to be in Nottingham for the event, which featured a standing ovation as Johnson's number was lifted to the rafters.

Spectators in their seats with ice rink in the foreground at a ceremony to Adam Johnson
The arena was packed for the special ceremony

Mr Pacha described Johnson as "a quiet, positive leader, a committed player that guys loved, and a huge, calming presence in the locker room".

"After Adam left us, we all had our struggles, but to this day I cannot even imagine the feelings that all of Adam's friends and family here today felt and still feel," he added.

In November, a man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson's death had his bail extended by police until January.

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