Adam Johnson made as big an impact on the ice as he did on the ice for the Nottingham Panthers.
The Great Britain hockey team officially retired Johnson’s No. 47 jersey on Saturday in tribute to the American forward who died after his neck was severed by an opponent’s skate during a match more than a year ago.
“Adam was a top player, but he was an even better person,” Panthers CEO Omar Pacha said during a pre-game ceremony attended by members of Johnson’s family.
The Minnesota native, who briefly played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, died shortly after colliding with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave in the Elite Ice Hockey League in October 2023.
Johnson, who was 29, skated into Sheffield’s defensive zone with the puck. As he turned to go inside, Petgrave skated toward him. Petgrave had another Panthers player in front of him and appears to have made contact. Then Petgrave’s left skate goes up as the defender starts to fall and the blade hits Johnson in the neck.
A man, whose name has not been released, remains under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
The Panthers announced the jersey’s retirement a year ago and made it official Saturday as Johnson’s parents, brother, aunt and fiancée watched from ice level.
“Adam was genuine. He was humble, modest, down to earth and never boasted about his achievements,” said aunt Lynn DeGrio, who spoke on behalf of the Johnson family. “He lit up a room with his little smile and quick and witty comments.
“He loved to dream about what his future would look like, down to the smallest details,” she continued. “He knew one thing for sure: it would include the love of his life, Ryan Wolfe. They spent hours planning the perfect life together.”
Donations to a memorial account will help fund a scholarship for a high school student to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where Johnson played before turning pro.
“From the first minute he stepped on the ice in Nottingham you could see his speed and skill were outstanding,” Pacha told the crowd. “His hockey IQ was on another level and he made all the players around him better.”
Other general managers told Pacha he had made the “signing of the summer.”
“His humble nature was something unique, especially for a player with such a high background,” Pacha added. “Players who have played at the highest level can sometimes come with an ego, but Adam didn’t have this. A calm, positive leader, a committed player who the boys loved and a hugely calming presence in the dressing room.”
Johnson lived with Wolfe before his death and studied at Loughborough Business School.
South Yorkshire Police has not yet determined whether charges will be filed – there could be several reasons for this.
Petgrave, a 32-year-old Canadian, has made no public statements.
The British top flight made neck protectors mandatory on January 1, two months after Johnson’s death.
Note: The above video first aired on May 17, 2024
