UK hockey team retires Adam Johnson's No. 47 to honour player who died after neck cut

Adam Johnson made as big an impression off the ice as he did on it for the Nottingham Panthers.

The U.K. hockey team officially retired Johnson's No. 47 jersey on Saturday in tribute to the American forward who died after his neck was cut by an opponent's skate during a game over a year ago.

"Adam was a top player, but he was an even better human being," Panthers CEO Omar Pacha said at a pre-game ceremony attended by members of Johnson's family.

The Minnesota native, who briefly played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, died shortly after a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenceman Matt Petgrave in the Elite Ice Hockey League in October 2023.

Johnson, who was 29, skated with the puck into Sheffield's defensive zone. As he pivoted to move inside, Petgrave was skating toward him. Petgrave had another Panthers player in front of him and appears to have made contact. Then, Petgrave's left skate elevates as the defenceman begins 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 retirement a year ago, and on Saturday made it official as Johnson's parents, brother, aunt and fiancee watched from ice level.

"Adam was genuine. He was humble, modest, down to earth and never boasted about his accomplishments," 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 was going to look like, right down to the fine details," she continued. "One thing he knew for sure is that it would include the love of his life, Ryan Wolfe. They spent hours planning the perfect life