- Adam Johnson tragically lost his life in a freak accident while playing ice hockey
- Johnson represented Nottingham Panthers having previously been in the NHL
- The American had bought an engagement ring for girlfriend Ryan Wolfe
Many tributes have been placed in memory of Adam Johnson outside Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena ahead of a memorial game for the American player.
The ice hockey star was killed after a skate slashed his throat in a collision during a match for the Nottingham Panthers against Sheffield Steelers on October 28.
Since then it has come to light that Johnson had bought an engagement ring for girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, which she found in their home.
On Tuesday, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by South Yorkshire Police in relation to Johnson’s death.
His teammates are returning to the ice on Saturday night to play in a memorial game, with many fans in attendance carrying posters and tributes to Johnson.
Hundreds of flowers have been placed outside the stadium in tribute to Adam Johnson
The ‘Forever our 47’ reference is a touching tribute to Johnson’s number which he wore both in England and in the NHL
Fans gather with posters of Johnson ahead of a memorial game hosted by former team Nottingham Panthers
The Panthers haven’t played since that October 28 game, but have taken to the ice to play Manchester Storm in Johnson’s memory.
Fans outside are pictured laying flowers and holding posters with the American’s name and number, 47.
The ‘Forever our 47’ reference is a touching tribute to Johnson’s number which he wore both in England and in the NHL.
Many fans turned out to watch the game and pay their respects to the ice hockey star
Johnson was just 29 when the tragic incident occured during a game vs the Sheffield Steelers
Johnson’s name was reportedly chanted during the memorial game and before the start of the match players from both teams gathered in a circle on the ice and banged their sticks on the ice while the crowd clapped.
A coroner’s inquest was opened into Johnson’s death last week, before being adjourned until January 2024.
South Yorkshire Police have released a statement confirming that the man remains in police custody after his arrest on Tuesday.
Following the opening of the inquest, coroner Tanyka Rawden called for neck guards to be made mandatory across the sport.
Johnson’s helmet was also amongst the many flowers and pictures placed outside the stadium
Fans wore jersey’s with the American’s name on it as they viewed the many touching tributes in place
Pictures of Johnson playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL were also placed outside
Emotional and touching personal messages were attached to many flowers as people paid their respects
